Heat Introduce Antetokounmpo After Trade; James Free Agency Remains Open

The Miami Heat introduced Giannis Antetokounmpo on Thursday following his trade from Milwaukee ahead of last month's NBA Draft. The move places the two-time MVP alongside Bam Adebayo on the roster. Antetokounmpo said the decision was straightforward. "It was a no brainer, I wanted to be here," he told reporters, citing the organization's culture of hard work, discipline, and selflessness.

Antetokounmpo switched from No. 34 to No. 7 upon arrival. He said the prior number honored his parents and that he left it behind out of respect for the organization that drafted him. The team store had already stocked No. 34 merchandise and had to replace it quickly.

Team president Pat Riley said after the Antetokounmpo introduction that another acquisition remains in progress. "We landed the plane. There's another one we have to land," he told reporters. LeBron James appeared at two separate events in New York on Thursday but did not disclose his free agency plans. The Heat are among the teams considered frontrunners for his services.

The current roster is described as thin after the trade. Officials indicated the 2026-27 season may serve as a transition year before further roster moves next summer. Antetokounmpo said he welcomes the pressure that comes with high expectations in Miami.

"You always hear about the Miami Heat culture and that guys work hard, guys are very disciplined, guys are very driven and guys are very selfless and give everything that they can to win games," he said. "I love pressure. " No disciplinary action will follow an altercation between Adebayo and Tyler Herro in Las Vegas, the league said.