The Milwaukee Bucks recently orchestrated a trade that could potentially define the narrative of the entire 2023-2024 NBA season. Their acquisition of Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers has elicited mixed emotions from the Bucks’ superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Even before sharing the court in the Eastern Conference, Antetokounmpo and Lillard have already etched their names in NBA history. Longtime Bucks stalwart Jrue Holiday bid a heartfelt farewell to Milwaukee fans as he departed from the Midwestern NBA powerhouse.

Upon learning of the trade, the Bucks’ superstar, affectionately known as ‘The Greek Freak,’ experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. The initial excitement of adding Lillard was swiftly replaced by the raw emotions of bidding farewell to his championship-winning teammate and one of the finest defensive players the Milwaukee franchise has witnessed in recent memory.

“Jrue is my brother for life. I love his family. I love him. I appreciate him. I wish him nothing but the best. He blessed me with a championship,” Antetokounmpo candidly expressed to Bleacher Report. “He’s the one who made that crucial steal in Game 5 of the Finals. I went to battle with him multiple times. Forget basketball. Forget the media chatter. This guy is my brother for life, and it’s always going to be that way. He’s going to thrive wherever he ends up.”

Holiday’s contributions were invaluable, averaging over 19 points, five rebounds, and more than seven assists for the Bucks last season, all while boasting a field goal percentage of nearly 48%.

Although Jrue Holiday may not be a household name, his 2023 net worth has soared to remarkable heights. Only time will reveal the extent of the void left by his absence in the upcoming season. But for now, it’s becoming increasingly apparent how much Giannis Antetokounmpo already misses his dear friend and teammate.