Giannis Antetokounmpo joins the Miami Heat

On July 16, 2026, Giannis Antetokounmpo was officially presented as a new player for the Miami Heat following his departure from the Milwaukee Bucks. The athlete, who held a jersey with number 7 during his introduction, was welcomed by Heat president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra. Antetokounmpo stated that his decision to join the team was influenced by the opportunity to play under coach Spoelstra and the personal appeal of living in Miami, a city where he has existing family ties. He noted that he looks forward to collaborating with Bam Adebayo for the upcoming NBA season. Reports regarding the duration of his time in Milwaukee vary, with some sources citing 11 years and others 13 years. This transition marks a significant shift in his career after over a decade with the Bucks.