Lithuanian guard Jakučionis traded to Milwaukee Bucks

Lithuanian basketball player Kasparas Jakučionis is set to begin his second NBA season, but with a new team. After his rookie year with the Miami Heat, the guard has been traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.

"It wasn't easy to digest such things. It was my first year in the NBA, but I knew this could happen. The most important thing is to control what you can control – keep working hard," Jakučionis told Mundo Deportivo.

During the Lithuanian national team's time in Italy, representatives from the Bucks, including head coach Taylor Jenkins, visited Jakučionis. "I'm happy I got to meet everyone. I haven't spent much time in Milwaukee yet, but I like it there. We haven't discussed my role on the team yet, but there is definitely still time," the Lithuanian guard stated.

Jakučionis developed within the Barcelona system from 2021 to 2024, during which Sarunas Jasikevicius was the head coach. "Saras and I still talk – not every day, but we keep in touch. Barca will always be in my heart," Jakučionis said.

The trade involved Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis moving to the Miami Heat. In return, the Bucks acquired Jakučionis, Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez, and several future NBA draft picks. In his debut NBA season, Jakučionis averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game. He played in 53 games, starting 12, and averaged nearly 18 minutes on the court. The Heat drafted the 20-year-old guard 20th overall a year ago. NBA analyst Jake Fischer reported that the Heat were reluctant to include Jakučionis in the trade package.