The NBA offseason is a cutthroat business where trades can happen in the blink of an eye, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. got his first taste of that reality on Monday night. The 25-year-old forward was dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks in a monumental blockbuster deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo that saw multiple assets head to Cream City.
The trade itself might not come as a total shock to fans, given that rumors surrounding a Miami Heat megadeal for the “Greek Freak” had been swirling around for quite some time. However, Jaquez Jr. himself appeared completely caught off guard, and a video of the exact moment he learned he was being traded is now going viral across social media.
Jaquez Jr. was in the middle of a shootaround session when the news officially broke. In the viral footage, someone on the court runs over and hands him a phone displaying the breaking news notification.
Here is a look at the viral video:
Along with Jaime Jaquez Jr., the Bucks will receive Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, the No. 13 overall pick in this year’s draft, a first-round pick swap in 2030, and a 2033 second-round pick. The Bucks are also sending Bobby Portis Jr. to Miami as part of the deal.
Because the NBA’s moratorium period does not end until July 6, the trade cannot be finalized yet and could still be expanded to include additional teams. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the trade and its initial details.
How Jaime Jaquez Jr. Performed For The Miami Heat
Jaquez had been with the Heat since they selected him in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft. After battling for consistent game time early on, Jaquez had a breakout campaign for the Heat this past season, setting career highs across the board. In the 75 games played, he averaged 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on a 50.7% shooting.
After a slower start to his sophomore year, the former UCLA Bruin went on a tear in the second half of the season. He will now have a chance for a fresh start in a new organization.
The Bucks have desperately needed draft capital and young talent, both of which they have now garnered in the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
Jaquez is 25 and entering the final year of his four-year rookie contract. With this move, the Bucks are fully committing to rebuilding the franchise from the ground up. It remains to be seen if Jaquez is a long-term piece for Milwaukee’s rebuild. But if the Bucks do decide to move him, his high trade value means plenty of teams will be calling.
Read More:
Miami Heat Updated Depth Chart After Blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
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