Heat Set Preseason Schedule as Antetokounmpo Chronicles First Day in Miami
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Giannis Antetokounmpo offered fans a behind-the-scenes look at his first day with the Miami Heat in a newly released YouTube video. The 31-year-old forward begins the clip by stressing his desire to capture another NBA title, then takes viewers through the Kaseya Center for conversations with players and coaches.
During a discussion with assistant coach Caron Butler—his former teammate in Milwaukee—Antetokounmpo says a fresh environment will push him out of his “comfort zone.” Butler urges the two-time MVP, who usually spends most offseasons in Greece, to arrive in South Florida well before training camp begins in the final week of September. Antetokounmpo agrees, adding that he intends to master Miami’s offensive and defensive schemes after 13 seasons with the Bucks so he can guide teammates once workouts start.
Roster Spots Still Open
The Heat have three vacancies on their 15-man roster and are expected to fill at least two before opening night. Miami retains $9 million of its $15.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception after committing $6.1 million to free-agent guard Tim Hardaway Jr. Team executives are reportedly preserving flexibility in case Klay Thompson negotiates a buyout with Dallas.
Additional tools include a $5.5 million bi-annual exception and a $5.6 million trade exception that expires August 15. Miami must remain below the $209 million hard cap. Forward Nikola Jović’s $16.2 million salary could be used to facilitate trade discussions.
Five-Game Preseason Slate
The Heat announced a five-game preseason schedule:
• October 3 vs. Toronto in Quebec City (NBA Canada Games 2026)
• October 8 vs. New Orleans at Kaseya Center
• October 10 vs. Minnesota at Kaseya Center
• October 14 vs. Brooklyn at Kaseya Center
• October 16 at Orlando
Meanwhile, with several Eastern Conference rivals making significant offseason moves, local reporters are assessing how Miami’s current roster stacks up against the rest of the field.
Source: Hoops Rumors
