Full Breakdown
Milwaukee Bucks Draft Nate Ament with No. 13 Pick Acquired from Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
6/25/2026, 12:00:21 AM
Trade Context and Draft Selection
The Bucks traded Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami for the Heat’s No. 13 2026 pick. Milwaukee used that pick to select forward Nate Ament and its No. 10 to draft guard Brayden Burries (spelled Bayden in some reports), marking a rebuild.
College Performance and Accolades
In his Tennessee season, Ament posted 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists, shooting 39.9 % overall and 33.3 % from three. He earned All-SEC, helped reach Elite Eight, and was 2024-25 Virginia Gatorade Player of Year, ranked No. 3 in 2025 class.
Key Figures and Organizational Landscape
Bucks GM Jon Horst praised Ament’s confidence and fit. First-year coach Taylor Jenkins inherits a 32-50 roster. Co-owner Jimmy Haslam, a Tennessee alum, highlighted the forward’s ties. Commissioner Adam Silver greeted Ament at the draft.
Data & Statistics
Ament stands 6-9.5´´ with an almost 7-foot wingspan and weighs ~210 lb. He posted 16.7 pts, 6.3 reb, 2.3 ast per game, shooting 39.9 % FG and 33.3 % 3-PT. Ranked No. 3 overall in 2025 class.
Official Statements & Responses
The Bucks presented Ament as a high-upside piece for a youthful core now featuring Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Ryan Rollins and Brayden Burries. Horst emphasized the forward’s assertiveness, confidence and willingness to execute the team’s system, framing the selection as central to the post-Giannis rebuild.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics on social media called Ament a “heinous pick,” citing his 210-lb frame and a poor showing in Tennessee’s 95-62 NCAA loss, warning he may be a development project.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
ESPN projected Ament as a potential Dallas Mavericks pick at No. 9, also noting possible Brooklyn (No. 6) or Milwaukee (No. 10) landings, conflicting with his actual No. 13 selection by Milwaukee. The No. 10 guard’s name appears as “Brayden” or “Bayden.” No Miami Heat comment appears.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I thought he played on a team, respectfully a very good team, where he could clearly have been the best player every single night,” — Jon Horst, Bucks General Manager
- “— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 24, 2026 The word "upside" is often overused during any live draft telecast, but that term certainly applies to the 19-year-old Ament.” — Jeff Goodman, NBA Analyst
- “— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) June 24, 2026 It’s funny, Bucks Twitter was adamant Nate Ament would be a heinous pick, and yet he was ESPN’s best available when they picked.” — Peter Bukowski, Twitter User
- “- Smooth handle for his size, can create off the bounce - Amazing at drawing fouls - Midrange scoring upside - Great size + athleticism - Willing to shoot 3s Good fit?” — John Fanta, Twitter User
What’s Next
Milwaukee will integrate Ament during the 2026-27 preseason, focusing on strength development while building around the young core of Burries, Ware, Jaquez Jr. and Rollins.
