The arrival of Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami not only raised the Heat's expectations for the next NBA season, but also revived the possibility of reuniting LeBron James with the franchise. While the veteran's future remains undefined, both team president Pat Riley and the organization's new star acknowledged that they would enthusiastically welcome the league's all-time leading scorer.

During Antetokounmpo's official presentation, Riley admitted that the Heat maintains communication with Rich Paul, James' representative, although he made it clear that the organization is waiting for the player's decision, like the rest of the interested teams.

“I don't know, I'll be honest with you,” Riley said when asked about a possible return of LeBron. "Obviously we've talked to Rich and the talks were very good. So, if that happens and he wants to come to the '305,' we have a golf course here. The weather is nice. And there are no state taxes. So that's a little better than in California."

The manager also made reference to a video that recently circulated on social networks, in which a fan asked the Golden State Warriors coach, Steve Kerr, to sign LeBron James. According to Riley, the San Francisco franchise is also among those interested in the player, whose fate remains unknown.

Antetokounmpo arrives with ambition and dreams of sharing a team with LeBron

Antetokounmpo assured that he has not spoken with James about his plans, although he acknowledged that the possibility of playing alongside him would be special.

“If the scenario arose for that to happen, I would be very, very excited,” said the two-time NBA MVP. "He's one of the best players to ever play this game, if not the best. I could learn a lot from him. Obviously, he brings a lot of championship experience to the team from day one. I think he's still one of the best players today, if not in the top 25 [at 41 years old]. There's no sign of him slowing down at all. You saw in the playoffs how effective and good he was for the Lakers."

The power forward added that only LeBron and his family know what the next step in his career will be.

"But I'm the same as everyone else: We don't have all the information. All the information is in the hands of LeBron James and his family, and he will make the best decision for himself. History has shown that he has always made good decisions for his career. And I hope that if he thinks the Miami Heat is a good option, he decides to come here; I would love for him to be with us."

While the possible signing remains the subject of speculation, Antetokounmpo was officially presented as Miami's new figure after the transfer from Milwaukee was completed. During his tour of the Kaseya Center, he explained that the franchise's winning history further strengthened his desire to win another championship.

“It's like a million percent right now,” he said. "You walk the halls, you look at the history and you look at the players that have been a part of this organization and everything they've accomplished. I want to make every move they made worth it."

The Greek, NBA champion in 2021, assured that he is motivated by the pressure that comes with wearing the Heat jersey.

"It's a place that I think comes with pressure, and I thrive under pressure. It brings out the best in me. I'm excited to be under [Erik Spoelstra]. I'm excited to be in this city. I understand the fans are very passionate, but right now, I'm hungry to win. I want to win and I'll do whatever it takes to get it."

Riley called Antetokounmpo's addition a moment comparable to the arrival of other great figures in Heat history, including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Bosh and Jimmy Butler. The manager explained that the franchise accumulated draft picks and young talents for years to complete an operation of that magnitude.

Now, with Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo as pillars of the project, Miami hopes to know LeBron James' decision to know if the team will be able to add another star piece in search of a new championship.