The Miami Heat are putting their radically reshaped roster to the test in the 2026 preseason, most recently falling 125-124 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 10. The team's dramatic offseason, headlined by the acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo, has created a fascinating mix of star power and questions as they prepare for their regular season opener against the Brooklyn Nets on October 14 at home.
The Heat's summer was defined by one seismic move. On June 22, they finalized a blockbuster trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. Miami sent out a package including Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, and multiple first-round picks. In return, they landed two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and forward Bobby Portis.
This wasn't their only business. The front office also signed veteran shooters Tim Hardaway Jr. and Klay Thompson in free agency. They secured the future of guard Pelle Larsson and forward Andrew Wiggins with contract extensions. The goal was clear: surround the new core of Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo with proven perimeter scoring.
Sending Tyler Herro to Milwaukee was the most immediate cost. Herro, the Heat's leading scorer the past two seasons, averaged 20.5 points per game in just 33 appearances last year. He made the All-Star team in 2024-25 but often looked more comfortable as a secondary option.
The departure of young center Kel'el Ware could sting long-term. In his two Miami seasons, Ware put up 10.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. His presence allowed Adebayo to play power forward, a lineup the team rarely used. Norman Powell, their lone All-Star from last season, also left, signing with the Chicago Bulls after averaging 21.7 points per game.
Preseason games offer the first glimpse. After a 129-105 road win over the Toronto Raptors on October 3 and a 128-118 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans on October 8, the Heat dropped a tight one-point game to Minnesota. These contests are less about the final score and more about integrating Giannis.
The major tactical question is spacing. Both Adebayo and Antetokounmpo operate primarily inside the arc, each shooting around 30% from three-point range last season. The success of the Hardaway Jr. and Thompson signings hinges on them stretching defenses reliably. Bobby Portis provides valuable frontcourt depth and another scoring punch off the bench.
All focus shifts to the regular season opener at home against the Brooklyn Nets on October 14. It's the first real test for this reconfigured squad. The pressure is on from day one. A franchise that improved to a 43-39 record last season, losing in the Play-In Tournament by a single point, now has championship aspirations.
Fans can track the team's progress and view the full schedule on our schedule page. The integration of Giannis Antetokounmpo with Bam Adebayo will be the story of Miami's season. Their ability to coexist defensively and create enough room offensively will determine if this grand experiment pays off.
