Bucks Commit to Retiring Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Jersey Following Trade to Heat
The Milwaukee Bucks have made it clear that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s place in franchise history is secure despite his recent trade to the Miami Heat.
After sending the two-time NBA MVP to Miami in a blockbuster deal on June 22, Bucks ownership announced that Antetokounmpo’s No. 34 jersey will eventually be retired at Fiserv Forum, ensuring his legacy with the organization will be permanently honored.
In a statement, the team’s governors reflected on the impact Giannis had during his 13 seasons in Milwaukee, crediting him with helping transform both the franchise and the city.
The Bucks praised Antetokounmpo for delivering an NBA championship while embodying the values of the organization through his work ethic, humility, and commitment to the Milwaukee community. They also highlighted his rise from a young prospect into one of the world’s premier players, noting that his influence extended well beyond basketball and helped elevate the franchise on the global stage.
The statement concluded by promising that No. 34 will one day hang in the rafters, cementing Antetokounmpo’s place among the greatest players in team history.
The organization emphasized that although his playing career with the Bucks has ended, his impact on the franchise, the city, and generations of fans will continue to be felt for years to come.
A New Chapter in Miami
Antetokounmpo’s iconic No. 34 carries personal significance, combining the final digits of his parents’ birth years—1963 and 1964. Over the course of his career, the number became synonymous with one of the NBA’s most recognizable stars.
Following the trade—which brought Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, and significant draft compensation to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis—the Heat quickly began selling Giannis No. 34 merchandise.
However, the situation became more complicated because Hall of Famer Ray Allen famously wore No. 34 during his championship run with Miami in 2013, leading to speculation about whether Antetokounmpo would continue wearing the number.
Giannis Chooses a Different Number
Rather than take No. 34, the Heat announced on July 6 that Antetokounmpo will wear No. 7 in Miami.
The choice still carries personal meaning, as seven is the sum of the digits in 34, allowing him to maintain a symbolic connection to the number associated with his family.
The decision created an awkward situation for fans who had already purchased No. 34 Heat jerseys, prompting the organization to offer exchanges for the updated version. At the same time, some collectors believe the original jerseys could become rare memorabilia.
Giannis’ number change also means rookie Ryan Conwell will switch from No. 7 to No. 4 moving forward.
Hoping for a Return One Day
Although Antetokounmpo begins the next stage of his career in South Beach, he has not ruled out finishing where it all began.
In one of his final interviews before leaving Milwaukee, he told former Bucks broadcaster Jim Paschke that he hopes to eventually return to the organization late in his career, much like Kevin Garnett did with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Giannis said he admired the way Timberwolves fans welcomed Garnett back with a standing ovation and hopes to experience something similar in Milwaukee one day.
For now, Antetokounmpo starts a new journey with the Heat wearing No. 7, while his No. 34 remains an enduring symbol of one of the greatest eras in Bucks history and is destined to be immortalized in the rafters after his playing career comes to an end.
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