ESPN picks a clear winner in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade between Bucks, Heat originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The NBA world is still processing one of the biggest trades in league history. Just days before the 2026 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat landed two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster deal that instantly reshaped the Eastern Conference. The trade sent Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to Miami, while the Milwaukee Bucks received Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, a pick swap and a second-round pick.
At first glance, many fans viewed the deal as a massive victory for Miami. After all, Pat Riley landed one of the best players in basketball and immediately transformed the Heat from a play-in team into a legitimate contender.
ESPN, however, saw things a little differently.
In ESPN's post-trade ****** ysis, Zach Kram awarded Milwaukee a B+ grade while giving Miami a B-. That difference made one thing clear: ESPN believes the Bucks came away with the stronger side of the deal.