Seeing Giannis Antetokounmpo switch his iconic jersey was a surprise. The choice to leave his number behind has raised a lot of questions about his upcoming chapter in the league.

Antetokounmpo addressed the media during his official introductory press conference with the Miami Heat on July 16, 2026. He wore the No. 34 from his rookie season in 2013 all the way through his rise to global superstardom. 

When asked about the change, he replied, "I wore 34 because my mom was born in 1963 and my dad was born in 1964, so I took the three and four... if you add three and four, it equals seven... I feel like 34 holds so much weight, and it has so much history."

The official @NBA X account shared the clip from the event. In the video, the superstar revealed why he is not taking No. 34 to Miami and will instead wear No. 7 for his new team.

The No. 34 jersey has been a core part of his identity throughout his entire 13-year career with the Milwaukee Bucks. The math behind the decision connects his past to his new beginning, using the birth years of his parents to transition from 34 to 7.

He added, "Out of respect to the organization that drafted me... I decided to leave that number there and try to start a new chapter." He signaled that the history he created in Milwaukee belongs to the fans and the city that raised him.

While wearing this jersey number, he earned two regular-season MVP awards, the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year award, and the 2021 NBA championship, where he also won the Finals MVP. 

The Bucks are expected to retire No. 34 in his honor. The decision to switch numbers shows his preparation for a fresh start. 

Why Giannis Antetokounmpo's move to Miami was necessary

The Miami Heat acquired Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis in exchange for a huge package.

Milwaukee received Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 pick in the 2026 draft, unprotected future first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.

According to reporting from BBC Sport, Antetokounmpo was frustrated with Milwaukee's management choices following their 2021 title run. Clashes with the front office intensified after the Bucks finished a disappointing 32-50 season and missed the playoffs. 

The famous "Heat Culture" and Pat Riley's proven front-office track record were appealing to the veteran forward. Joining Miami also allowed him to team up with All-Star center Bam Adebayo, with whom he shares a sports agent. 

Last season with the Bucks, he averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 62.4% from the field across 36 games.

No current Heat player was wearing No. 34, and the last person to wear it in Miami was Ray Allen during their 2014 Finals run.

What are your thoughts on whether this jersey switch will bring the same championship luck to Miami?

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Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Utsav Sinha