Heat Introduce Giannis Antetokounmpo After Trading Multiple Players and Draft Picks to Bucks

The Miami Heat introduced Giannis Antetokounmpo on Thursday after completing a trade that brought the 31-year-old forward from the Milwaukee Bucks. , Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, one pick swap and a second-round pick to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis.

Antetokounmpo addressed reporters at the Kaseya Center while seated beneath the franchise's three championship banners.

He said his motivation level stood at a million percent and described walking the hallways lined with portraits of past Heat greats. "I want to make all the moves that they've made worth it," he said. "It's a place I feel like brings pressure, and I thrive under pressure.

I'm excited to be coached by [Erik Spoelstra]. I'm excited to be around the city. I understand the fans are very passionate, but right now, I'm hungry to win. " Heat president Pat Riley called the acquisition nirvana and placed Antetokounmpo at the top of the franchise's historical list alongside Alonzo Mourning, Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O'Neal, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Bam Adebayo.

Riley noted Antetokounmpo's unique physical attributes and said the team had stockpiled picks and young players specifically to complete the deal. "It was a perfect time, and it usually takes a perfect time to make this kind of deal," Riley told ESPN. Antetokounmpo will pair with Adebayo on the front line, with Portis providing depth.

Riley described the group as a very potent power rotation. Coach Erik Spoelstra highlighted the defensive intensity both Antetokounmpo and Adebayo bring, calling them elite competitors who will push the team. The Bucks finished the 2025-26 season at 32-50 and missed the playoffs.

The Heat also missed the postseason last year after first-round exits in the prior two seasons. Antetokounmpo enters his 14th NBA season with the Heat.