Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready for the ‘pressure’ following Heat trade: ‘Whatever it takes’

Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready for the ‘pressure’ following Heat trade: ‘Whatever it takes’

Giannis Antetokounmpo is raring to go with the Heat.

The two-time MVP, acquired by Miami in a blockbuster trade last month, told ESPN that his motivation level is “at a million percent” following the deal.

“It’s a place I feel like brings pressure, and I thrive under pressure. It brings the best out of me,” he said.

“I’m excited to be coached by [Erik Spoelstra]. I’m excited to be around the city. I understand the fans are very passionate, but right now, I’m hungry to win. I want to win and I will do whatever it takes for me to win.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo is highly motivated to bring another champion ship to Miami IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Antetokounmpo was acquired by the Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, one pick swap and a second-round pick.

His former Bucks teammate, Bobby Portis, also went with him to South Beach.

Now, Antetokounmpo, 31, will look to become the latest star to bring a Larry O’Brien trophy to Miami.

“You walk through the hallways and you see the history and you see the players that have been a part of this organization and things that they’ve done,” he said. “I want to make all the moves that they’ve made worth it.”

Antetokounmpo will suit up in Miami for his 14th NBA season — and on the back of a disappointing few years in Milwaukee.

Following the team’s Finals win in 2021, the Bucks never made it past the second round of the playoffs, and they missed the postseason altogether last year with a 32-50 record.


Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbling a basketball.
The two-time MVP was traded from the Bucks in a blockbuster deal this summer AP Photo/Marta Lavandier

Antetokounmpo, though, still had a strong individual season, and Portis believes his “hungry” teammate is ready to bounce back.

“Obviously last year, probably not the best year for any one of us. We didn’t make the playoffs. It was kind of injury-riddled last year,” Portis said.

“Obviously the back and forth with getting traded, not getting traded, then get shut down by the team. So I think he has a lot of fuel to the fire and I think the [Miami] fans will be in for a treat.”

The Heat missed the playoffs last year and were eliminated in the first round during the 2024-25 and 2023-24 playoffs.

However, they’re just three years removed from their trip to the Finals in 2023 — and they’ll hope to get back there with Antetokounmpo.

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