"I Want to Move On": Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes Major Confession About Heat Change

The number 34 will never leave Milwaukee, but Giannis Antetokounmpo made it clear that his legendary tenure with the Bucks is officially a closed book. As the Greek star prepares to begin his new chapter with the Miami Heat, he is leaving his iconic number behind to wear No. 7.

This marks the first mid-career jersey switch of Antetokounmpo's 13-year career, signaling a deliberate effort to separate his championship past in Milwaukee from his new identity in South Beach. Speaking on his brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo's podcast, Thanalysis, Giannis revealed that the move was rooted in a deep need for emotional closure.

“You had to get closure. It was a huge chapter in my life, and now I want to kind of move on,” Antetokounmpo explained. His statement signals Giannis's intent to compartmentalize his two careers—reserving No. 34 solely for the organization and fanbase that supported his rise to a 2021 NBA championship while building a distinct legacy in Miami.

The forward elaborated on the deep reverence he holds for his original number and why he refuses to bring it to a new franchise.

“I think I said in the past that the reason why I'm now in 34 is out of respect for not just the organization, but the people that were there with me, supported me, and cared for me,” he explained. “34 is the number I will only be wearing in Milwaukee.”

Antetokounmpo also addressed how other NBA superstars have navigated number changes throughout their careers, citing high-profile comparisons.

Specifically, Kevin Durant wore No. 35 with Oklahoma City and Golden State before switching to No. 7 with Brooklyn and returning to No. 35 with Phoenix, while LeBron James famously alternated between No. 23 and No. 6 in Cleveland, Miami, and Los Angeles.

Furthermore, he shut down speculation regarding financial motives behind switching numbers across the league.

“A lot of people wonder, ‘Why do they do that? Is it for jersey sales?' It's not for jersey sales,” Antetokounmpo added.

For the Miami star, No. 7 represents a clean slate. Having spent 13 seasons in Milwaukee, longer than most modern superstars remain with a single franchise, Antetokounmpo's fresh start gives him a chance to forge a new era with the Heat while keeping his championship memories intact.