The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Nate Ament with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, which was the first selection they received from the Miami Heat in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade. The blockbuster deal was built on young talent and draft capital. Milwaukee shockingly chose it over the Celtics' offer of Jaylen Brown and draft capital. The Bucks wanted to rebuild, and the early returns look great.
Ament is a 6'9 forward capable of handling the ball and making plays. He has immense upside, but needs to add strength and improve his inside finishing. The Bucks have time to let him develop, and Ament could turn into a star in Milwaukee.
The Bucks exited the Giannis era. It was time to move on, and Milwaukee opted against getting a superstar in return. They bet big on nailing the draft picks coming from the Heat and building a young core that could grow together. The start was Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, and these two lottery picks. Fans were questioning Jon Horst’s decision-making, but he is nailing it so far.
Giannis trade just got better after the Bucks draft Nate Ament
Credit to Horst for extracting a ton of value for Giannis. He got three first-round picks, one swap, one second-rounder, and four players in their 20s. Fans can see the details of the trade below.
Bucks received: Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, Nate Ament, 2 1st round picks, 2030 1st round swap, 20233 2nd round pick
Heat acquired: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis
This deal clearly signaled a rebuild. The Bucks are not done making moves and could move on from other veterans. Myles Turner and Kyle Kuzma are on the trade block. Milwaukee could have a young squad that is looking to improve around new head coach Taylor Jenkins.
The Bucks got two projected starters with All-Star upside. They traded for a young point guard and big man. Milwaukee needed help on the wings. They drafted Brayden Burries at ten, and many had him projected to go even higher. Burries projects as a shooting guard to help build out their young core.
Ament is their power forward of the present and Giannis replacement. Horst is building a strong core and has a young option at every position.
Jon Horst has a troubling track record in the draft. Since taking over as general manager in 2017, Horst has traded several picks, but the ones he has made haven’t helped the Bucks.
He took AJ Johnson in 2024, who was traded midway through his rookie year. Johnson doesn’t look like an NBA player. Horst selected MarJon Beauchamp in 2022, and he’s fighting for his place in the NBA after already playing for four teams.
Bucks fans hope this is the start of the turnaround. Horst took two high upside prospects. Ament drew buzz in the top ten, and Burries had interest as high as six. Milwaukee potentially got two steals in this draft.
The Milwaukee Bucks just made the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade look even better by selecting Nate Ament with the 13th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. They have two more draft picks, but Milwaukee has quickly built an exciting young core for coach Jenkins to develop. Credit to Jon Horst and the front office for that.
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