Heat Introduce Giannis, Then Set Sights on LeBron

Sport

By lines

July 17, 2026

Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the Miami Heat on Thursday, and Pat Riley made one thing plain. The Heat are not done. Riley used the two-time MVP’s introduction to hint at a run for free agent LeBron James.

Pat Riley Lands One Star and Targets Another

Antetokounmpo met reporters on the Kaseya Center court in Miami. The Heat acquired the 31-year-old forward and Bobby Portis from Milwaukee. The two sides agreed on June 22 and closed the deal on July 6. The trade ended Antetokounmpo’s 13-year run with the Bucks.

Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists last season. Injuries limited the two-time MVP to 36 games in 2025-26. Milwaukee received Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis. The Bucks also landed the No. 13 pick and multiple future first-round selections.

Antetokounmpo won the 2021 championship and Finals MVP with Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo also claimed back-to-back MVP awards in 2019 and 2020. Miami last won the title in 2013 with LeBron James on the roster. The Heat lost in the 2020 and 2023 Finals since that championship.

Riley told reporters the Heat “landed the plane,” with another jet still to land. That target is LeBron James, who reached free agency this summer. James informed the Lakers of a plan to play a 24th season elsewhere. The move ended an eight-year run in Los Angeles for James.

James has drawn interest from at least 10 teams, including the Heat. That early shortlist featured the Warriors, Cavaliers and Miami. The Knicks, Spurs and Nuggets also entered the mix for James. The 41-year-old told agent Rich Paul to weigh every option. James said the goal is to keep playing competitive, meaningful basketball.

Antetokounmpo now pairs with All-Star center Bam Adebayo in Miami. Adding James would unite two former MVPs on the same roster. The Heat have not won a title since the 2013 season. Riley signaled Miami will keep pushing to close that gap.

Antetokounmpo said a title chase is the goal and Miami is the best route. James is expected to pick his next team within weeks. The Heat will shape the rest of the roster before the 2026-27 season. Miami now chases a first championship since 2013 in the East.