Giannis Antetokounmpo has a lot of excitement about getting to play alongside Klay Thompson as teammates going into the Miami Heat's 2026-27 campaign.

Antetokounmpo starts a new chapter of his career with the Heat following 13 years with the Milwaukee Bucks. Having won the 2021 championship with the franchise, both parties moved on in the 2026 offseason.

Milwaukee made the decision to send Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to Miami in exchange for Nate Ament, Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakucionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, and multiple draft picks. This paves the way for Antetokounmpo to compete for more titles, elevating Miami's chances for success.

Miami also made additions to revamp the supporting cast, signing Thompson from waivers after he accepted a buyout from the Dallas Mavericks. Antetokounmpo talked about Thompson during the NBA Media Day on Monday, per reporter Zachary Weinberger. He looks forward to developing chemistry with the four-time NBA champion on and off the court.

“Boat trips, good food… Klay [Thompson] as you said played play high level basketball for many years…players like that…have they have that championship DNA,” Antetokounmpo said.

“Boat trips, good food… Klay [Thompson] as you said played play high level basketball for many years…players like that…have they have that championship DNA…”

Giannis Amtetokounmpo speaks on what Klay Thompson brings to the Heat 🗣️

(via @ZachWeinberger) pic.twitter.com/A9PdxLW1zV

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 28, 2026

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What lies ahead for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Heat this season

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Heat have geared themselves up for great success. Championship aspirations are on the horizon for them, as long as injuries don't hinder their promising journey next season.

Miami is coming off a 43-39 record, finishing in 10th place in the Eastern Conference standings. They missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017, losing to the Charlotte Hornets in the play-in tournament.

The Heat have filled key rotation spots following the Antetokounmpo trade. Besides adding Klay Thompson, they signed Tim Hardaway Jr., Nick Richards, Ryan Conwell and Tre Donaldson to the squad, helping the team gear up for an exciting era of basketball for the team’s fans.

Antetokounmpo pairs up with Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins as the main star core. Thompson, Davion Mitchell, Hardaway and others round out the group. Should plenty go well, they stand out as serious contenders in the East.