Newest Heat superstar reveals reason for number change

When the Giannis Antetokounmpo-Miami Heat blockbuster was officially announced after the moratorium closed on July 6, the Heat announced that Antetokounmpo would continue wearing No. 34.

However, earlier that day, Antetokounmpo said on a Twitch stream that he likes the No. 7, formerly worn by Kel’el Ware and then-occupied by Heat rookie Ryan Conwell. Later that day, Antetokounmpo’s number was officially changed to No. 7 after repping 34 in his 13 seasons with the Bucks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo gives classy response for number change:

During his introductory press conference, the two-time MVP cleared the air as to why he changed his number. And his response was classy.

“I wore 34 because my mom was born in 1963 and my dad was born in 1964,” Antetokounmpo said. “If you add three and four, (it) equals seven. And my mom was born on April 7th.

“The real reason that I really changed my number is 34 holds so much weight, and it has so much history. Out of respect to the organization that drafted me and that I played for, for 13 years, I decided to leave that number there and start a new chapter.”

"34 holds so much weight, and it has so much history. Out of respect to the organization that drafted me and that I played for, for 13 years, I decided to leave that number there and start a new chapter."

— Giannis on change from No. 34 to 7@hothothoops @5ReasonsSports
— Matt Hanifan (@mph_824_) July 16, 2026

It’s safe to say that nobody will ever wear the number “34” on their backs in Bucks history again.

The 10-time All-Star is the most accomplished player in their franchise’s 58-year history.

At the end of the day, He’s the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. Furthermore, he also tops them minutes played, field goal makes, rebounds, assists and blocks, among several other statistics. Antetokounmpo guided the Bucks to their second-ever title in 2020-21, and finished top-4 in MVP voting in seven of the last eight years.

That’s a true legacy, and one that will be remembered and glorified forever.

Giannis Antetokounmpo wants leave similar mark with Heat:

The Heat’s new superstar is coming off an injury-plagued season, missing a career-high 46 games, including the team’s final 14. He appears to be very determined to not have a repeat of that — hoping to leave a similar mark with his new team that he did in Milwaukee.

“Hopefully, I can leave my mark here in Miami and make No. 7 as legendary as 34,” he said. “7 looks good. It’s fresh. It’s clean. I saw some kids wearing it in the street. So I’m excited to create more moments with that number.”

Outside of Ware, No. 7 has been worn by many recognizable faces, such as Lamar Odom, Penny Hardaway, Shawn Marion, Goran Dragić and Kyle Lowry.

Now, it’s Antetokounmpo’s turn, as he hopes to secure at least one more NBA Title — and the Heat’s fourth — in his storied career.