Miami Warmth president Pat Riley believes the franchise has landed a transformational talent after officially acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Talking after the blockbuster deal grew to become official on Monday, Riley praised each additions, saying, “The announcement of at the moment’s commerce for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. is likely one of the nice trades in Warmth historical past. In my view, Giannis is likely one of the high 5 gamers within the league and Bobby is likely one of the finest energy forwards.”
The commerce marks the tip of Antetokounmpo’s lengthy tenure in Milwaukee and instantly reshapes the Jap Convention. The Warmth completed 43-39 final season, good for tenth place within the East earlier than making a stunning run to the NBA Finals, whereas the Bucks ended 32-50 and missed the postseason after a disappointing marketing campaign.
Even in an injury-shortened 2025-26 season, Antetokounmpo remained one of many NBA’s most efficient gamers. The previous MVP averaged 27.6 factors, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists whereas capturing 62.4% from the sector throughout 36 video games. He additionally posted a 63.6 efficient discipline objective proportion, persevering with to dominate as one of many league’s best high-volume scorers.
Portis supplies one other confirmed frontcourt choice after averaging 13.7 factors and 6.4 rebounds in 67 appearances for Milwaukee. The veteran ahead additionally stretched defenses by capturing 45.6% from three-point vary on 4.4 makes an attempt per recreation, giving Miami one other floor-spacing risk alongside Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.
The Warmth paid a big value to finish the deal. Milwaukee acquired Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., rookie Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 decide within the 2026 NBA Draft (Nate Ament), first-round choices in 2031 and 2033, a 2030 first-round decide swap, and a 2033 second-round decide.
Herro was one among Miami’s main scorers final season, averaging 20.5 factors and 4.1 assists in 33 video games whereas capturing 48.0% total and 37.8% from past the arc. Jaquez completed second in Sixth Man of the 12 months voting after posting 15.4 factors, 5.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists throughout 75 video games, whereas Ware emerged as one of many league’s promising younger facilities with averages of 11.1 factors, 9.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.
Regardless of surrendering a number of younger contributors and invaluable draft belongings, the Warmth secured arguably the largest acquisition of the 2026 offseason. Antetokounmpo joins a roster that also contains Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins, whereas Portis strengthens Miami’s frontcourt rotation.
The Warmth have remained energetic following the commerce, re-signing Wiggins to a three-year contract, bringing back Simone Fontecchio, guaranteeing Dru Smith’s contract, and signing Tim Hardaway Jr. to bolster the perimeter.
Experiences have additionally linked Miami to veteran targets including LeBron James, Bradley Beal and Khris Middleton because the franchise appears to be like to maximise its championship window round Antetokounmpo.
