Austin Konenski
Giannis Antetokounmpo is officially a member of the Miami Heat. On Monday, the Heat officially announced their trade with the Milwaukee Bucks, sending Tyler Herro and more for Antetokounmpo. However, will the 31-year-old superstar keep his No. 34 for Miami? That doesn’t appear to be the case.
Antetokounmpo is changing his jersey number from No. 34 to No. 7 with the Heat, as first reported by the Associated Press’ Tim Reynolds. The former Buck is moving forward with a new brand and identity in Miami, moving away from his No. 34 jersey that he wore in Milwaukee.
However, is this a good decision for Antetokounmpo?
Why the Giannis Antetokounmpo number change is positive for the Miami Heat
There will be plenty of speculation on why Antetokounmpo chose the No. 7 over the No. 34; however, this is a good idea for everyone involved. This allows Antetokounmpo to preserve the No. 34 jersey from his days with the Bucks and move forward with a new identity in Miami.
In the past, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, Shaquille O’Neal, and Jimmy Butler all changed their jersey numbers before coming to the Heat. It has worked out with three of those four players winning a championship. Ultimately, Antetokounmpo has those same goals for Miami moving forward.
Ryan Conwell, who the Heat drafted with the 37th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, currently wears the No. 7, but will have a new number moving forward. Most notably, Goran Dragic and Kyle Lowry recently wore the No. 7 in Miami. Dragic is the most accomplished player to represent the number in Heat history.
Ironically, Dragic and Antetokounmpo were on a podcast together over one month ago, as the two discussed the Florida weather. The two players bonded during the podcast episode, as Dragic helped lean Antetokounmpo into some Miami-based questions without being specific.
This may come as a surprise to many, but Antetokounmpo wearing the No. 7 jersey is a positive development.
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