Jaime Jaquez Jr. learned he was being dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks while watching the Bucks and Heat face off in a Las Vegas Summer League game. The trade, finalized in early July, sent Jaquez, Tyler Hero, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis and a cache of draft assets to Milwaukee in exchange for veteran forward Bobby Portis. Jaquez said the news was "definitely devastating for sure" but added, "I love Miami. I love this city. It really felt like home to me," while also expressing excitement about the opportunity in Milwaukee.
The move comes after Jaquez posted the most bench points in the league last season, tallying 1,138, and finished as the runner-up for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award behind San Antonio’s Keldon Johnson. His season placed him in an exclusive three-player group that started fewer than 30 games, averaged at least 14 points, four rebounds and four assists, and posted a true-shooting percentage of 55 percent or higher. The other members of that group, Manu Ginobili in 2007-08 and Tyler Herro in 2021-22, both captured the award in their respective seasons.
Milwaukee’s roster now includes a versatile wing who can stretch the floor and move the ball in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s pick-and-roll offense. Jaquez’s three-point shooting and ability to accelerate the pace give the Bucks a secondary scoring option when Portis draws attention in the post. Defensively, his length and lateral quickness can help address the Bucks’ perimeter-coverage concerns, a known weakness against elite backcourts. In a deep rotation, Jaquez could see meaningful minutes as a spark off the bench, especially during stretches when Giannis rests.
For the Heat, the trade reflects a short-term push for veteran depth. Acquiring Portis adds a seasoned front-court player who can contribute immediately, while moving a young asset who had become a fan favorite underscores Miami’s willingness to gamble on present competitiveness. Jaquez’s heartfelt quote about loving Miami highlights the personal side of the transaction, reminding fans that trades affect more than just on-court lineups.
Jaquez, who was drafted by the Heat with the 18th overall pick in 2023, is set to report to Milwaukee’s training camp in early September, with his first official appearance likely in the ongoing Summer League. If he can translate his bench production into a regular-season role, the Bucks could benefit from a reliable reserve who can maintain offensive flow and provide defensive stability as the team aims to return to the playoffs.
