Giannis Antetokounmpo says goodbye to the Bucks: “This will always be my home”

After 13 seasons, an NBA championship and a bond that became inseparable from the city, Giannis Antetokounmpo has officially closed his chapter with the Milwaukee Bucks. As of Monday, he is officially a new member of the Miami Heat, but before beginning the next stage of his career, he wanted to deliver one final message to the fans who watched him grow into a superstar.

In a video posted across his social media accounts alongside longtime Bucks play-by-play announcer Jim Paschke, the two-time MVP reflected on his journey in Milwaukee and thanked the city for everything it gave him.

I hope bringing a championship to this city meant something to them, because it meant everything to me. I want you to hear it directly from me: Milwaukee will always be in my heart. This will always be my home

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The message resonated deeply with Bucks fans, especially when he added another statement that is sure to remain part of the franchise’s history.

Wherever I go, Milwaukee will always be my city, my team and my family

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The bond with Milwaukee goes beyond basketball

In his farewell, Giannis emphasized that his connection to Milwaukee was built above all on the shared values between himself and the community.

Milwaukee is a blue-collar city. It’s made up of people who work hard every day and spend the money they’ve earned to come watch the Bucks, to feel something special and to be part of something bigger

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Greek superstar explained that he always tried to embody that spirit both on and off the court.

I hope I represented these people the best way I possibly could. I felt like one of them. I always showed up to work, doing whatever was needed, even the dirty work, just like they do

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Beyond saying goodbye to Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo also explained what ultimately led him to move on after 13 seasons with the same franchise. The desire to compete for another NBA championship was the deciding factor.

I watch other players competing in the playoffs and think maybe by changing teams, by going somewhere else, I’ll have another chance to chase a championship

Giannis Antetokounmpo

It was a decision that matured over time, driven in part by the fear of one day regretting not taking the opportunity.

I was afraid that if I didn’t do it, one day I’d ask myself: why didn’t I have the courage to take that risk?

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks pay tribute to Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks also honored Antetokounmpo with an official statement, thanking him for his 13 seasons in Wisconsin, the 2021 NBA championship and his unwavering commitment to the local community.

General manager Jon Horst reflected on the impact the Greek superstar had on the organization.

Since we drafted him in 2013, Giannis has transformed the Milwaukee Bucks in every way imaginable – on the court, in the locker room and throughout the community. He became an extraordinary leader, an outstanding teammate and one of the defining players of his generation. The standard he set will continue to guide this organization

Jon Horst

Horst also acknowledged how difficult it was to part ways with the franchise icon.

This was an incredibly difficult decision, one made with both the future of the Bucks and Giannis in mind. On a personal level, we’ve shared this entire journey together. He’s been an incredible partner, a great friend and a constant source of inspiration. Our entire organization will always be grateful for everything he and his family gave to this city. We wish him nothing but the best and look forward to welcoming him back soon

Jon Horst

With his departure, one of the greatest chapters in Milwaukee Bucks history comes to a close. A new challenge now awaits Giannis Antetokounmpo in Miami, while Milwaukee begins the difficult task of building its future without the player who defined the franchise over the past decade.