Miami Heat enters Giannis era as 2026 preseason tips off
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Giannis Antetokounmpo is excited for a new chapter. Photo: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images
A new era of Miami Heat basketball tips off Saturday as the 2026 preseason begins.
Why it matters: The Heat are championship hopefuls after trading for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and adding complementary pieces to build around him and captain Bam Adebayo.
Catch up quick: After making it to the NBA Finals twice in the Jimmy Butler era — and losing both times — the Heat haven't won a playoff series since 2023.
- Miami missed the playoffs last year for the first time in seven seasons
What they're saying: "The goal is to win a championship. So many players that have played here have been successful. I want to be part of that," Antetokounmpo said during media day this week, per the Miami Herald.
- He said facing Adebayo every day in practice is like "fire meeting fire."
- "That competitive spirit, we have to keep activating that. We have to keep pushing one another and setting the example."
Out with the old: Miami traded away Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel'el Ware in the blockbuster deal for Antetokounmpo and Bucks forward Bobby Portis.
- To add offense around Antetokounmpo and Adebayo, the Heat brought in sharp-shooters Klay Thompson and Tim Hardaway Jr. — son of Heat Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway.
Heat schedule: The Heat play the Raptors in Quebec City on Saturday before heading back to Miami to play Tuesday's Red, White and Pink scrimmage and its three remaining home preseason games.
- The regular season begins Oct. 21 against the Timberwolves on ESPN. (Tickets)
How to watch: WPLG Local-10 will broadcast 68 regular-season Heat games, including all five preseason games, according to the Herald.
- Fans can watch on the free WPLG apps, with an antenna or via select TV providers.