The Milwaukee Bucks finally did what everyone knew was coming. They traded Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. And yes, it ended messy. The relationship had been fraying for months, maybe longer. But let’s not pretend the guy didn’t deliver a title. He’s the best player in franchise history, full stop.
That said, the Bucks had been spinning their wheels for three years trying to keep him happy. It wasn’t working. So they hit the reset button. And honestly? The return package is pretty impressive.
They got Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., three first-round picks (2026, 2031, 2033), a 2030 pick swap, and a 2033 second-rounder. That’s a lot. Plus they moved Bobby Portis in the deal. Then they went into the 2026 draft with two first-round picks and made some choices that tell you exactly what their plan is.
Brayden Burries at No. 10: The safe bet that could pop
With the 10th pick, the Bucks grabbed Brayden Burries out of Arizona. He’s a 6’5″ guard who shot 39.1 percent from three on 4.6 attempts per game as a freshman. That’s legit volume shooting. He also averaged 1.7 steals. So you’ve got a guy who can space the floor and bother ball handlers on the other end.
The knock? He’s not a natural playmaker. His assist numbers were low at Arizona. But Milwaukee doesn’t need him to be a lead guard right now. Herro, Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr., and Jakucionis can handle the creating. Burries can just catch and shoot and defend. If his passing ever develops, he could be a two-way monster. If not, he’s still a rotation player who fits modern basketball.
Grade: A
Nate Ament at No. 13: Swinging for the upside
With the Heat’s pick at 13, the Bucks took Nate Ament from Tennessee. He’s 6’10” and can create his own shot. That’s the good news. The bad news is he shot under 40 percent from the field and 33 percent from three last season. He doesn’t have a quick first step, and he settles for tough shots around the rim instead of finishing through contact.
But here’s the thing. He has fluid shooting mechanics. And in the NBA, surrounded by better talent, he’ll get cleaner looks. The Bucks are banking on the size and the shooting form translating. He might never be a star. But a long career as a 3-and-D wing who can punish closeouts? That’s not crazy. For a late lottery pick, that’s a reasonable gamble.
Grade: A-
Malique Lewis at No. 60: Lottery ticket with a decent frame
The Bucks picked up Malique Lewis from the Wizards for the 60th pick. He’s 6’8″, 21 years old, and his game is raw. Really raw. But he has the kind of wing size teams covet. He’s probably a two-way contract guy for a couple years. If he ever figures it out, great. If not, it’s the 60th pick. No harm done.
Grade: B
The Bucks aren’t tanking. They’re restocking. With Herro, Jakucionis, Burries, and Jaquez in the backcourt, plus Ware up front, they could be a play-in team next season. That’s not nothing for a team that just traded its franchise player. The draft grades look solid, but the real test comes when these guys actually have to play together.
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