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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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Giannis Antetokounmpo joined the Miami Heat this offseason in a blockbuster trade that also brought his Milwaukee Bucks teammate, Bobby Portis, to South Beach.
In exchange, the Bucks received Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, and the No. 13 pick in this year's draft, as well as multiple first- and second-round picks in the future.
The Heat officially introduced Antetokounmpo and Portis at a press conference last week, and the "Greek Freak" also got his first workout at the practice facility. In the Heat's new behind-the-scenes video, he shared his thoughts about what it meant to be back in the gym, this time in Miami.
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"I don't care how it works, what happens. I'm happy that I'm having this feeling. Like, even today, working out with you guys. I try to figure you guys out. I haven't had that in a long time—for 13 years. Like, I knew who I was working with. I knew everybody," Antetokounmpo said. "So, I need that pressure. I need it."
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Things became fractured between the Bucks and their two-time NBA MVP as he felt they weren't in contention for a championship any longer after winning one in 2021. In addition, Antetokounmpo became frustrated when the team wouldn't medically clear him to play at certain points this past season, as he stated he was healthy enough to play.
There were also the trade talks and rumors, which persisted for months. At one point, it appeared the Bucks were on the verge of trading Antetokounmpo before the February deadline, and then ESPN reported that Milwaukee chose to hold onto him, despite the team struggling.
Ultimately, they made the massive deal this offseason with the Heat, and it appears Antetokounmpo is much happier there already than in his previous environment. He joins a squad that competed in the Play-In Tournament but missed out on a win due to an unfortunate Bam Adebayo injury against the Hornets.
Miami now features an imposing frontcourt of the Greek Freak alongside Adebayo, two players capable of having monstrous performances. Adebayo recorded that epic 83-point game last season, putting himself in the record books with basketball legends Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant.
And Antetokounmpo recorded a career-high 64 points against the Indiana Pacers back in 2023. It wouldn't be far-fetched to see him top that mark now that he's playing for coach Erik Spoelstra and the Heat.
Based on early indications, Antetokounmpo is excited to get to work with his new team in a much better environment.
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