How Miami and Philadelphia are building around relocated superstars
Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James are entering new chapters with the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers after major summer moves.
Miami made Antetokounmpo the centerpiece of a restructuring that also added Klay Thompson, Bobby Portis and Tim Hardaway Jr. around a core including Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins.[4] James joined Philadelphia on a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option and is preparing for a record-ext…
Miami made Antetokounmpo the centerpiece of a restructuring that also added Klay Thompson, Bobby Portis and Tim Hardaway Jr. around a core including Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins.[4] James joined Philadelphia on a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option and is preparing for a record-extending 24th NBA season.[10]
Why it matters: The moves illustrate two distinct roster-building mechanisms: Miami assembled several established players around a two-time MVP, while Philadelphia added a four-time MVP on a short contract as it pursues its first championship in 43 years.[4][10]
Key insights: Antetokounmpo previously led Milwaukee to the 2021 NBA championship and now anchors Miami’s overhauled roster.[4] | Miami retained a core led by Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell while adding four prominent veterans.[4] | James, 41, dismissed retirement talk before beginning his record-extending 24th season.[10] | Philadelphia’s opening assignment is on the road against reigning champion New York, which ended a 53-year title drought in June.[10]
Cheatsheet facts: What changed: Miami acquired Antetokounmpo in a multi-player roster overhaul, while Philadelphia signed James for two years and $8 million with a player option.[4][10] | Why now: The Heat open training camp with their rebuilt group, while James is preparing for season No. 24 after changing teams during the summer.[4][10] | Watch next: Watch Miami’s first training-camp combinations and James’ fit when Philadelphia opens its season at reigning champion New York.[4][10]
Miami made Antetokounmpo the centerpiece of a restructuring that also added Klay Thompson, Bobby Portis and Tim Hardaway Jr. around a core including Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins.[4] James joined Philadelphia on a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option and is preparing for a record-extending 24th NBA season.[10]
Why it matters: The moves illustrate two distinct roster-building mechanisms: Miami assembled several established players around a two-time MVP, while Philadelphia added a four-time MVP on a short contract as it pursues its first championship in 43 years.[4][10]
Key insights: Antetokounmpo previously led Milwaukee to the 2021 NBA championship and now anchors Miami’s overhauled roster.[4] | Miami retained a core led by Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell while adding four prominent veterans.[4] | James, 41, dismissed retirement talk before beginning his record-extending 24th season.[10] | Philadelphia’s opening assignment is on the road against reigning champion New York, which ended a 53-year title drought in June.[10]
Cheatsheet facts: What changed: Miami acquired Antetokounmpo in a multi-player roster overhaul, while Philadelphia signed James for two years and $8 million with a player option.[4][10] | Why now: The Heat open training camp with their rebuilt group, while James is preparing for season No. 24 after changing teams during the summer.[4][10] | Watch next: Watch Miami’s first training-camp combinations and James’ fit when Philadelphia opens its season at reigning champion New York.[4][10]