Giannis Antetokounmpo’s arrival has immediately changed the Miami Heat’s championship outlook, and according to ESPN insider Shams Charania, the new franchise cornerstone would welcome another superstar joining him in South Beach: LeBron James.
Appearing on The Stephen A. Smith Show on Tuesday, July 7, Charania discussed James’ free agency situation and revealed that Antetokounmpo is among the players who would like to see the four-time champion join the Heat.
“Giannis would want LeBron in Miami as well from my understanding,” Charania said.
The report comes after Miami completed a blockbuster trade for Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis, sending Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis and draft compensation to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Heat are now building around Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo while exploring whether James could become another major piece.
Charania explained that Miami’s roster construction could make the Heat one of the strongest fits for James at this stage of his career.
“I think there’s a draw with Miami,” Charania said. “And I think Pat Riley is a draw. I think Erik Spoelstra is a draw.”
He added that James’ relationships with Miami’s stars could also influence the decision.
“I actually think Bam and Giannis are big draws for him too,” Charania said. “He played Team USA with Bam. He’s got a lot of respect for Bam.”
The Heat finished the 2025-26 regular season 43-39 and reached the play-in tournament before transforming their roster. Before the Antetokounmpo trade, Miami’s top scorers were Norman Powell at 21.7 points per game, Herro at 20.5 points per game and Adebayo at 20.1 points per game.
Miami’s new core would give James a different role than he has held for much of his career. Charania noted that the Heat could allow James to operate as a primary offensive creator while Antetokounmpo and Adebayo handle significant defensive responsibilities.
“The ball would be put in LeBron James’ hands, which is what LeBron James usually prefers,” Charania said while discussing Miami’s fit.
The Heat also offer several non-basketball advantages. Charania pointed to Miami’s environment, lifestyle and tax situation as factors that could matter for James, who turns 42 during the 2026-27 season.
“I think these are all the things LeBron James is trying to figure out this week, next week, etc.,” Charania said.
James remains one of the NBA’s most productive veterans. During the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds while shooting 51.5% from the field in 60 games.
However, Charania emphasized that Miami is not the only serious contender for James. He identified the Cleveland Cavaliers, Heat and Philadelphia 76ers as the teams most frequently appearing in his conversations with league executives.
“Cleveland, Miami, Philly, those teams certainly jump out more and more,” Charania said.
The Cavaliers have also gained momentum in the James sweepstakes after Donovan Mitchell agreed to a four-year, $273 million extension and reportedly expressed support for a potential reunion. Cleveland finished 52-30 in 2025-26 and reached the Eastern Conference finals before losing to the eventual champion New York Knicks.
For Miami, the opportunity to pair Antetokounmpo, Adebayo and James would represent another aggressive move from a franchise that has consistently pursued championship-level talent. Charania said James’ decision remains open, but the Heat’s new superstar appears to be among those hoping the 41-year-old chooses South Florida.
