Pat Riley suggested the Miami Heat could have another major addition coming after completing the blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, saying “we have another one to land” during Giannis’ introductory press conference.
The Heat president’s comments immediately drew attention because Miami has been one of the teams linked to LeBron James, who entered free agency after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers following eight seasons with the franchise.
Riley explained the phrase while discussing the completion of the Giannis trade, which brought the two-time MVP and Bobby Portis to Miami from the Milwaukee Bucks.
“Andy Ellisburg, I got a call after about a month of discussion and the call came late and he said to me, ‘We have a deal,’ and we both sort of screamed out loud, ‘Yeah, we landed the plane,’” Riley said. “Now, there’s another one we have to land.”
When asked if he was referring to the 24-year NBA veteran widely believed to be LeBron, Riley did not confirm the identity of the player but acknowledged the possibility of another move.
“As far as the 24-year veteran, you know, that is something that would happen organically,” Riley said. “You never know that you’re ever going to win a title until you win one. But you’ll never win one if you don’t have the talent and the coaching to do it.”
Riley added that Miami’s current roster already gives the franchise a strong foundation after acquiring Giannis and pairing him with Bam Adebayo.
“This is a team that we have right now. And I’m happy with it,” Riley said. “We’ll see what happens in the future.”
The Heat’s pursuit of another star comes after a major roster overhaul. Miami sent Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 pick, multiple future draft assets and a first-round pick swap to Milwaukee for Giannis and Portis.
Giannis said Miami’s culture and championship expectations were major reasons the move appealed to him.
“I think I need pressure at this time of my career,” Giannis said. “I don’t like being in a comfort zone. And I think this is the right place to be.”
A potential addition of James would give Miami another elite playmaker alongside Giannis and Adebayo. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said teams pursuing James view Miami as the strongest basketball fit because of the available ball-handling role, the franchise’s history with stars and the presence of Antetokounmpo and Adebayo.
Kendrick Perkins also pointed to the potential fit, noting Riley’s “another plane” comment and suggesting James could benefit from a roster where Antetokounmpo and Adebayo carry a significant portion of the regular-season workload.
The Heat currently project to build around Antetokounmpo, Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins and their defensive identity. In 2025-26, Adebayo averaged 20.1 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists while earning All-Defensive recognition, while Wiggins averaged 15.4 points and shot 41.4% from three-point range.
Riley emphasized that adding stars is part of Miami’s long-term approach.
“This is just part of who the Heat are in the pursuit of excellence,” Riley said. “You don’t win championships unless you have greatness on the court and on the bench.”
The Heat’s next major move remains uncertain, but Riley’s comments ensured that Miami’s offseason attention will continue beyond the arrival of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
