After the end of the NBA moratorium, both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat have officially announced the trade that sends Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Heat for a trade package around Tyler Herro and multiple other players.
Following the trade confirmation, the Bucks have now confirmed to the NBA writer, Jake Weinbach, that they will be retiring Giannis Antetokounmpo’s jersey number 34 and intend to put it up on their rafters.
“Milwaukee Bucks ownership has confirmed that Giannis Antetokounmpo’s No. 34 jersey will be retired by the organization. If it wasn’t already clear, Giannis’ legacy will be eternally felt in the rafters of Fiserv Forum, the home of the Bucks,” wrote Weinbach on X.
Shortly before, the Bucks’ brass, with the owners and the general manager, released their official statements to honor Giannis Antetokounmpo after his trade to the Heat was announced. The Bucks’ owners, Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan, gave their statement together.
“From delivering a championship to transforming our franchise, Giannis’ impact on the Milwaukee Bucks is lasting and profound. We are incredibly grateful for what has been a remarkable and historic journey together. For 13 seasons, Giannis gave everything to this organization and inspired our city with his relentless drive, humility and heart.
“He grew into one of the greatest players in the world while becoming an integral part of the Milwaukee community. More importantly, Giannis represented this organization with authenticity, character, and a deep commitment to the people of Milwaukee. His unforgettable moments on the court and his influence beyond the game defined an era of Bucks basketball and elevated our franchise on a global stage.
“Few players have left such a meaningful mark on a team, a city, and an entire generation of fans. Though this chapter has come to an end, Giannis’ legacy in Milwaukee is secure. It will always be felt here — in the rafters, throughout our community, and in the countless people he inspired. Forever a Buck,” their statement said.
Jon Horst, the general manager, subsequently also gave his farewell message to the Greek star.
“Since we drafted him in 2013, Giannis has transformed the Milwaukee Bucks in every way — on the court, in our locker room, and throughout the community. Over 13 seasons, he became an extraordinary leader, teammate, and representative of this city and one of the defining players of his generation.”
“The standard he set will continue here. This was an incredibly difficult decision, made for what is best for the future of the Bucks and for Giannis. On a personal level, Giannis and I have shared this entire journey, and he has been an exceptional partner, friend, and inspiration.”
“All of us at the Bucks have been impacted by his presence and influence and are deeply grateful for everything he and his family have given. We wish them continued success and are excited to see them soon,” he said in his statement about Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo seemingly wants the No. 34 version of himself to always be associated with the Bucks. But he doesn’t want to carry it with him to Miami, where he’s looking for a fresh start with the Heat. Therefore, he has decided he would be wearing the No. 7 instead of No. 34 on the Heat.
Kel’el Ware, who was traded to the Bucks for Antetokounmpo, previously wore that number. And it was set to be handed to Ryan Conwell before Antetokounmpo staked a claim over it. Meanwhile, Tyler Herro has also decided to change his number and will now wear No. 42 with the Bucks.
In his 13-year career with the Bucks while wearing the No. 34, Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 55.4% from the field and 28.5% from behind the three-point line.
He was selected to play in 9 All-Star games. He has won a Most Improved Player award, a Defensive Player of the Year award, two MVP awards, an NBA Finals MVP award, and an NBA championship.
But now Antetokounmpo gets a chance to start fresh and rewrite a whole new chapter of the book that is his life. It will be fascinating to see this version of Giannis Antetokounmpo fighting hard in Miami.
