Heat Acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo in Blockbuster Trade
The team also added Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr. after missing the playoffs last season.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Basketball
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Miami Heat fans will see a revamped roster this year after the organization traded Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel'el Ware to the Milwaukee Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis. The team also bolstered their offensive rotation by signing Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Why it matters
Management executed these major roster moves to propel the team back into championship contention following a disappointing 2025-26 campaign. This shift marks a aggressive effort to end the franchise's post-2023 playoff series drought.
WPLG will broadcast 68 regular-season games this year for fans following the new-look roster. The Heat are also slated to host 5 home preseason games.
The players
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The two-time NBA MVP who joins the Miami Heat via trade.
Klay Thompson
The veteran shooter who signed with the Heat to add offensive depth.
Bobby Portis
The veteran forward acquired by the Heat in the trade with Milwaukee.
Tyler Herro
The guard who was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Tim Hardaway Jr.
The veteran guard who joined the Heat during the offseason.
The details
The blockbuster trade brings two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and veteran Bobby Portis to Miami, while sending Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel'el Ware to Milwaukee. Beyond the trade, the front office signed Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr. to improve perimeter scoring. The team begins their 2026-27 journey with a scrimmage on October 6 before the regular season opener on October 21 against the Timberwolves.
Timeline
2023: The last year the Miami Heat won a playoff series.
2025-26 season: The year the Heat missed the NBA playoffs.
October 4, 2026: Miami plays the Raptors in Quebec City.
October 6, 2026: The Heat host the Red, White and Pink scrimmage.
October 21, 2026: The regular season begins against the Timberwolves.
Beyond the 305
These roster changes mark the most significant organizational shift since the 2023 Miami Heat playoff series win. The team is now looking to recapture that level of success following the roster instability seen during the 2025-26 season.
Fans can catch the new roster in action at the Red, White and Pink scrimmage on October 6. WPLG viewers will have access to 68 regular-season games when the season tips off on October 21.
The takeaway
The franchise has signaled a clear win-now mentality by trading key youth for established veteran talent. Keep an eye on the October 6 scrimmage to see how the new offensive rotation integrates before the regular season begins.
Further reading
For more updates on the upcoming season, follow the Miami Basketball coverage on our site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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