James Harden's time with the Rockets and LeBron James' accolades with both Cleveland and the Lakers will make their numbers retire. But does DeMar DeRozan's longevity with Toronto guarantee a jersey retirement?

A jersey retirement is a different level of honor, and some receive it for a single season—others over a decade.

From becoming faces of their franchises, to leading top scorers, from clinching titles, to bringing back lost glory, these players have done their part.

According to The Athletic's Jason Jones, these are the active NBA players who deserve to have their numbers retired.

Damian Lillard: No. 0, Portland Trail Blazers

Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is the Trail Blazers’ all-time leading scorer. There’s no doubt Dame Time’s jersey will be retired. 

Jayson Tatum: No. 0, Boston Celtics

Led Boston to its record-breaking 18th championship in 2024 as the undisputed franchise cornerstone, Tatum will be another addition to the list of Boston’s retired numbers. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: No. 2, Oklahoma City Thunder

With two MVPs, an NBA Finals MVP and a league championship, SGA is at the heart of the Thunder rebuild. His No. 2 jersey won’t be around after he steps aside. 

Kawhi Leonard: No. 2, Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs

Finals MVP with the Spurs in 2014, Leonard led them to the title that year. Following his less-graceful exit from San Antonio, he pulled off another Finals MVP with the Raptors as he carried Toronto to its historic, lone NBA championship in 2019. A rare multi-team commemoration awaits Leonard. 

Kyrie Irving: No. 2, Cleveland Cavaliers

Irving arguably hit the biggest shot of Cleveland’s history: the game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals. He won the franchise’s only title, and that is enough reason for his jersey to retire. 

Anthony Davis: No. 3, Los Angeles Lakers

Dominated the 2020 season with his elite defense. The Hall of Famer was crucial when the Lakers won the championship that year. His jersey will be hung in the years to come. 

Anthony Edwards: No. 5, Minnesota Timberwolves

Edwards will lead the new-look Wolves from this season. Becoming the face of the franchise, it's highly likely that his jersey will be retired. 

Jaylen Brown: No. 7, Celtics

The 2024 Finals MVP and Eastern Conference Finals MVP, Brown brought back Boston to the top and sealed its championship glory. 

DeMar DeRozan: No. 10, Raptors

During his nine years in Toronto, DeRozan became the franchise’s all-time leader in games, minutes, and points. His number won’t be around for much longer as the Raptors are planning to retire it this season. 

Jalen Brunson: No. 11, New York Knicks

Madison Square Garden’s Captain Clutch and the "King of New York”, Brunson needs no introduction. Took the Knicks to the Championship title after a 53-year title drought.

Klay Thompson: No. 11, Golden State Warriors

4-time champion Klay Thompson is an easy decision for the Warriors. Being one of the NBA’s best defenders in the league during his time in GSW, he also came in clutch with his shooting. 

James Harden: No. 13, Houston Rockets

Harden won his lone MVP with the Rockets in 2018. One of the NBA’s all-time great scorers and playmakers, the Rockets have already confirmed that his number will be retired as soon as his playing career concludes. 

Nikola Jokić: No. 15, Denver Nuggets

Three-time MVP and delivering the franchise's first-ever NBA championship, Jokić will always hold a special place in the hearts of the people of Denver. 

Joel Embiid: No. 21, Philadelphia 76ers

League MVP in 2023, Embiid remains one of the most dominant scorers in Philly history. He is the modern face of "The Process" and has cemented his place in the 76ers’ legacy. 

Jimmy Butler: No. 22, Miami Heat

Clutch, historic playoff performances defined Jimmy Butler’s time with the Heat. Taking them to two NBA Finals appearances, Butler did his part for the team. 

Draymond Green: No. 23, Warriors

The defensive heart, soul, and vocal leader of the Golden State dynasty that captured 4 titles, Draymond Green went from second-round pick to Warriors legend. There’s no doubt that his number won’t be retired by the Warriors. 

LeBron James: No. 23, Cavaliers and Lakers

Delivering Cleveland its legendary 2016 title after a historic 3-1 comeback wasn’t enough for James. He went on to bring the Lakers their 17th championship in 2020. A historic resume calls for a jersey retirement. 

Steph Curry: No. 30, Warriors

The greatest shooter in NBA history needs no justification for a jersey retirement. Curry is the center of the Warriors, and the franchise has openly admitted that. When the Chase Center fills out in the future, only fans will be able to wear the No. 30. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo: No. 34, Milwaukee Bucks

Dropping 50 points to clinch an NBA championship, Antetokounmpo has also won two regular-season MVPs, a Finals MVP and an NBA Defensive Player of the Year during his time with the Bucks. He ended their 50-year title drought all by himself.

Kevin Durant: No. 35, Thunder and Warriors

The greatest player of OKC's modern era, Durant won his only regular-season MVP in 2014 with them. Then he went on to win back-to-back championships with the Warriors. 

Luka Dončić: No. 77, Dallas Mavericks and Lakers

Dallas’ very own Luka Dončić led them to the 2024 Finals. Now, he has the opportunity to create a new legacy with the Lakers.

Written by

Avishek Sarkar