Giannis Antetokounmpo scores 35 in Heat debut

With Giannis Antetokounmpo being scratched a few hours before tipoff, Jović started Miami’s preseason finale. He and the other starters didn’t play after halftime, but the young forward was solid in his 15 minutes on the floor. At best, Jović is worth considering in the later rounds of a draft. His viability as a fantasy option this season will depend on Antetokounmpo’s health.

Giannis looks like he’s in regular season form after dominating the Nets on Wednesday. They had no answer when he drove into the paint. He capitalized on miscommunications on defense with his passing. He should be going in round 1 in redraft league drafts.

After scoring nine points in his unofficial Heat debut on Saturday, Antetokounmpo was more aggressive in seeking his own scoring opportunities on Thursday. Whether scoring or creating for others, Giannis will have plenty of chances to deliver elite fantasy value in his new home. If the Heat can surround him with enough shooting, Antetokounmpo’s fantasy outlook would improve.

Giannis made his first unofficial appearance for the Heat, playing 14 minutes in the first half. The veteran forward didn’t miss a shot from the field and led the team with seven assists. One can’t take too much from a preseason game, especially with Giannis’ playing time being managed. But the seven assists are something to build on, as consistent production in that category may help compensate for Antetokounmpo’s poor free-throw percentage.

Larsson carved out a solid role for the Heat last season, starting 54 of the 70 regular-season games and averaging 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game overall. He should again be a part of the nightly rotation in his third NBA season for a Miami team that expects to have a much higher ceiling with the offseason acquisition of Giannis Antetokounmpo. From a fantasy perspective, Larsson could take another leap in production and build in 2026-27 on a strong end to his second season.

Antetokounmpo is heading south with Bobby Portis, with Milwaukee receiving Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, three future first-round picks, one first-round pick swap and one second-round pick. The Heat were the most persistent team in their pursuit of Antetokounmpo, and a deal was finalized the night before the 2026 NBA Draft. While he is one of the most dominant players in the league, Giannis’s health has been an issue recently. Multiple calf injuries limited him to 36 games last season, and the Greek Freak has exceeded 70 regular-season games once since 2018-19. When available, he can offer first-round value, especially to fantasy managers punting free-throw percentage, but the Heat will have some spacing issues to address between Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

With the 2025-26 season in the rear-view mirror, Antetokounmpo’s future is the focus of most of the NBA. Bucks owner Jimmy Haslam said during the introductory press conference for head coach Taylor Jenkins that he expected a resolution of some kind before the June 23 NBA Draft. While Antetokounmpo can’t sign an extension with the Bucks until October 1, a verbal commitment would put the trade discussions to rest. However, Windhorst reported on Monday that the Bucks’ forward is “focused” on a move to Miami, which has previously expressed interest in acquiring him. “He has focused on wanting to be a member of the Miami Heat. And because he only has one year on his contract, he has some control over that,” Windhorst said. “But the Heat and the Bucks have been talking for months and not agreed to a deal, because the Bucks don’t love the Heat’s offer. There are third teams involved. There are fourth teams involved.” Boston has also been rumored as a possible destination for Antetokounmpo, but not to the same extent as Miami.

Bucks decision-makers went on the record earlier this spring, saying that either Antetokounmpo will agree to a contract extension or the franchise will look to move him. He can’t officially sign a new deal until October 1, but the franchise can ill afford to wait that long for a solution. Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam said during the introductory press conference for new head coach Taylor Jenkins that the expectation is a solution regarding Giannis’ future will be reached before the June 23-24 NBA Draft. Given the skill set, there should be a robust market for Antetokounmpo, even with lower-body injuries limiting him to a career-low 36 games in 2025-26.

To no one’s surprise, Antetokounmpo will not play in Sunday’s season finale. Turner is also out, which means more playing time and a likely start for Jericho Sims. Pete Nance is questionable, and his minutes are likely to increase if he can play.

Antetokounmpo will remain out for another game, and fans may have seen him play for the final time this season. Ousmane Dieng and Pete Nance have played increased minutes recently, with the former offering a higher ceiling for those in active fantasy leagues.