Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Heat are a fascinating fit. Could this be the start of something special?
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Kelly IkoNBA reporterTue, June 23, 2026 at 5:59 AM UTC·5 min readThe longer Giannis Antetokounmpo stretched the disjointed, awkward relationship between himself and the Bucks' brass — a segmented front office in its own right — the more strained it became.
The more the 31-year-old future Hall of Famer waited patiently and publicly for Milwaukee to course correct its blatant lack of organizational alignment — albeit through a series of veiled comments and tense moments — the more appealing outside stability appeared.
AdvertisementAdvertisementIn the end, Antetokounmpo bet on himself and took his talents to South Beach with less than 24 hours to go before the NBA Draft. The blockbuster deal, Yahoo Sports confirmed, sends Antetokounmpo to the Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakučionis, the No. 13 pick in the 2026 draft, unprotected firsts in 2031 and 2033, a pick swap in 2030 and a 2033 second-round pick.
Got all of that? You sure?
With the bulk of offseason decisions being made — particularly in the Eastern Conference — through the lens of contention and potentially rubbing shoulders with the reigning champion New York Knicks, the Giannis deal is a fascinating move. I'm not certain if it immediately lifts the Heat into Tier 1 status, but they're certainly cousins at this point. Make no mistake, the departure of three integral pieces of Miami's core will sting, but what's left is nothing to scoff at, not by a long shot.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAssuming no other major piece of business happens with the Heat between now and the start of next season — outside of filling out the back end of the roster — the Greek Freak will slot into a lineup featuring Davion Mitchell, Norman Powell (assuming he stays; Miami has his Bird Rights and can exceed the cap to re-sign him), Andrew Wiggins and, of course, Bam Adebayo. That quartet finished the regular season outscoring their opponents by an impressive 72 points across 540 minutes together.
But let's focus on why we're here. In one sweeping motion, Miami just assembled the most versatile, menacing defensive frontcourt the East has seen in years. Decades, even.
"On paper" will be used quite a bit within the basketball ecosystem over the next few months, before we're treated to having both Adebayo and Antetokounmpo share the floor together, but what these two accomplished defenders have produced in their remarkable careers should be enough to leave Erik Spoelstra salivating. They are in the 96th and 92nd percentile, respectively, in defensive estimated plus-minus; among the top 22 in DARKO, with Giannis fifth; and 99th and 97th percentile in efficiency differential.
The rim protection, oh the rim protection. Opponents converted nearly 14% worse with Antetokounmpo as the nearest defender at the rim. Adebayo is well-versed in defending high-usage types, excels in pick-and-roll coverage and, as his second team All-Defensive nod suggests, remains one of the most impressive pound-for-pound stoppers around. Good luck generating successful half-court offense against those two and godspeed to those who attempt to crack Spoelstra's trademark zone, now with Giannis patrolling the gaps. Sprinkle in Wiggins' length, Mitchell's point-of-attack defense and Powell's underrated physicality and this should be a top-five defensive unit for months on end.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe spacing — or lack thereof — can't be ignored, though. Adebayo shot just under 32% from long range on pretty high volume, while Antetokounmpo finished converting 33% of his 3s. However, I expect Spoelstra to get creative with these two. Both are capable initiators, both can roll to the rim and have downhill gravity, both can finish in the restricted area. Expect a flurry of pick-and-pop possessions with Giannis running the show and Adebayo — along with the likes of Wiggins, Powell and Mitchell — to space the floor. Miami's penchant for pushing the pace also bodes well with Antetokounmpo, one of the game's most menacing forces in the open floor.
(Another facet folks shouldn't scoff at, given Giannis' recent injury woes, is Miami's pristine conditioning regimen and the onus the franchise places on physical health. While I don't expect lingering calf and knee issues to disappear overnight, his arrival in an environment with a built-in, no-nonsense culture should bode well with his recovery.)
AdvertisementAdvertisementDon't expect this to be the finished product, either. According to capologists, the Heat, while hard-capped at the first apron, still have a shade under $20 million to dole out to fill at least four additional roster spots. Miami will also still have the ability to use its full mid-level and bi-annual exception to add some much-needed floor spacing to the roster. Paging one Buddy Hield! (Technically, the Heat could create even more cap space if Wiggins entered free agency and/or Nikola Jovic was traded, but this team needs to hold on to every remaining asset with a vice grip.) I'd also expect Wiggins, who should be playing ball now, to negotiate a longer-term contract at a more manageable number than his $30 million player option, which would give more wiggle room to retain Powell.
This move doesn't come without risk. Giannis is leaving the only NBA home he's known for over a decade, and entering into a new organization past his prime with mileage and injuries. He's joining forces with a defensively inclined big (yes, the 83 that one time) who isn't regarded as an efficient shooter, and he'll now be tasked with leading a roster with a rather interesting fit.
But South Beach is known for its magic, Pat Riley is known for his pursuit, persuasion and perfection, and Antetokounmpo is known for not giving a damn about what's in front of him, if it's in the way of success. Something tells me this just might work out.
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price subsidising their life by livestreaming
Venezuela Fury and her husband Noah Price look to be making their own way in the world by raking it in from their lucrative social media accounts.
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury, 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year.
Since getting married and moving in together the couple have been earning thousands of pounds a month, livestreaming their life as newlyweds in their static caravan in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
And fans can't get enough of their regular life updates on TikTok and Kick, which have proved to be very profitable for the pair.
They look to be supporting themselves after Noah denied that he was given £5million by Venezuela's family as a wedding gift.
Despite his wife's huge family wealth, an estimated combined £160 million, Noah recently told his Kick followers that he 'pays for everything' for the couple.
Making light of the claims about Venezuela's millionaire financial status, Noah said: 'I actually pay for everything unfortunately. You'd expect the millionaire to pay for it wouldn't you.'
Venezuela Fury and Noah Price are earning thousands livestreaming their caravan life - after her new groom insisted he pays all the bills and denied he had £5m handout from her dad
The influencer daughter of Tyson and Paris Fury , 16, has become an internet sensation after tying the knot with her husband Noah, 19, earlier this year
Venezuela then asked their fans: 'Do you think I am a millionaire?'
Noah joked: 'She isn't a secret millionaire guys', before she broke into song and sang: 'But I live like a millionaire!'
But it seems according to estimated calculations from their social media work, Noah and Venezuela can more than afford to support themselves.
Noah has been livestreaming on platforms such as Kick and TikTok, where viewers can send paid gifts or donations.
He was previously encouraging viewers to send gifts on his honeymoon during livestreams, suggesting this is one revenue stream.
Both Noah and Venezuela have built substantial followings on Instagram and TikTok. They can potentially earn money through sponsored posts, brand collaborations, affiliate links and creator payouts.
Kick allows its creators to take home 95 per cent of the £4.99 subscription cost that fans pay.
Streamers keep 100 per cent of direct tips and donations, minus minor standard payment processing fees.
It is unclear how many subscribers Noah currently has because this information is hidden, but he does have 7,200 followers which is publicly viewable.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million.
An industry insider has suggested Noah is making around £400 per video on TikTok, while Venezuela is likely to make £2,000 due to her following count of 1.3 million
In one video on their honeymoon, Noah asked his followers if they'd give them some more gifts now that they were married.
In a TikTok live viewed by 20,000 he said: 'Keep liking our videos people, keep sending gifts.'
After saying thank you to several of his followers he joked they should stick around on the livestream and 'watch Venezuela punch me in the mouth'.
The other half of the honeymooning couple said: 'I am, honestly!'
Noah previously confirmed that the pair don't share their finances after they were asked whether they have a shared bank account.
'She earns her money, I earn mine,' said Noah, as Venezuela joked: 'Yeah, what you gonna do about it.'
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'.
Meanwhile Venezuela is being eyed up by executives for a fly on the wall TV series.
Noah went on to debunk the rumour that Tyson gave him £5million when he tied the knot with his daughter as he insisted: 'No Tyson did not give me £5million'
Boasting 1.3 million TikTok followers, Venezuela is already entertaining fans with her honest musings and candid moments, from cooking to kitting out her and Noah's static caravan home.
And following the success of the Netflix series At Home With The Furys, it is no wonder bosses are wanting to draw on the Fury popularity.
A TV insider said: 'The couple are not A-list celebrities but everyone has become obsessed with their love story.
'People are genuinely intrigued by them. Whether it’s the fact they have married so young, Venezuela’s famous family or their gypsy lifestyle, they have the ‘X factor'.
'Several TV executives think a proper fly-on-the-wall series following their lives as newlyweds in the gypsy community would be fascinating,' they told The Sun.
It is thought Netflix would be likely to produce the series due to their already established relationship with the Furys.
Venezuela's representatives told The Daily Mail: 'We have many offers on the table regarding Venezuela which we are discussing.'
