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NBA·LINEUPS·June 23, 2026 12:16 AM ET

Heat's projected starting five takes shape after landing Giannis Antetokounmpo

Miami remakes its core around a new superstar.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jun 231 min read
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THE POTENTIAL NEW STARTING FIVE FOR THE MIAMI HEAT 🔥 How far could this team go in the East? 👀 https://t.co/ZRKgP57qq1

What happened: Miami's projected starting lineup is being reshaped after the Heat acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis in a multi-player deal that sent Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis the other way. The trade slots a two-time MVP into the heart of the rotation and rebuilds the projected five around him. It instantly resets expectations for what the roster can be next season.

Why it matters: Adding an MVP-caliber forward vaults Miami into the top tier of the Eastern Conference and reframes the conversation about how far the retooled group can advance. The move trades away a chunk of the team's young core and recent rotation depth for a singular, win-now centerpiece. It is the kind of swing that recalibrates a franchise's timeline.

What to watch: Watch how Miami fills out the rotation around its new frontcourt, and whether the projected starting five holds together through training camp.

Sources

  • @espn 

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