The Milwaukee Bucks traded Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat for a significant haul, but they clearly picked the wrong package. Milwaukee acquired Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, 3 first-round picks, 1 first-round swap, and 1 second-rounder for Giannis and Bobby Portis. The Bucks got a lot, but they could have a star in Jaylen Brown and multiple picks from the Celtics. That deal would have put Milwaukee in a much better position.
Rumors suggest Brown didn’t want to play for the Bucks, but he clearly wanted his own team. Milwaukee is not done remaking their roster and could have patched together a playoff-contending squad around JB. Even if things didn’t work out, the Bucks could have traded Brown for multiple draft picks.
Instead, they took a package centered on Tyler Herro and the 13th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. The problem for the Bucks is that Jon Horst has a dreadful record in the draft. The Bucks had to trade Giannis, but betting on draft capital is a problem.
The Bucks should have taken the Celtics offer for Giannis
Horst has been Milwaukee’s lead decision-maker since 2017. In nine drafts, he has connected on one pick. Horst took Donte DiVincenzo with the 17th pick in 2018. His last two first-rounders were AJ Johnson and MarJon Beauchamp, who are already off the roster.
The Bucks have two lottery picks in the 2026 NBA Draft that they plan to use as building blocks. Horst hasn’t selected that high, but he loves to take upside shots that don’t pan out. Why would that change? Milwaukee is rebuilding and needs a star. Horst will be shooting for the moon and missing like he always does.
The Bucks could have Jaylen Brown right now. The wing just finished sixth in MVP voting and led the Celtics to the second seed in the East, with Jayson Tatum injured for the majority of the season. Brown is a superstar. He could have put the Bucks in contention or gotten the franchise even more draft capital.
Milwaukee would have netted more draft picks if they traded for Brown. Boston was offering two, and they would acquired multiple additional selections when they sent JB packing. That was the right move, but Horst was too focused on a smaller goal to see the bigger picture.
The Milwaukee Bucks took the wrong package for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite dragging out this saga over multiple years, the franchise still couldn’t maximize their return. Jaylen Brown and two first-round draft picks from the Celtics would have been the better package. It would have given the Bucks options and prevented the deal from hanging on Jon Horst nailing draft picks.
Instead, Milwaukee bet on the draft capital. With Horst’s track record, this will turn into a total disaster. Bucks fans should buckle up. It could be a long rebuild in Milwaukee, and it will all be because they took the wrong package for the Greek Freak.
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