Giannis Explains Jersey Number Change After Trade to Heat From Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo decided to change his jersey number from 34 to 7 after being traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat, and he said he made that decision out of respect for his former team.

"It's almost kind of having closure, mentally and emotionally," he told reporters. "That number meant a lot to me. And No. 7 looks good. It's fresh, it's clean... I'm excited to create more moments with that number."

Obviously, Antetokounmpo's No. 34 will always be synonymous with the Bucks, and it will almost certainly hang in the rafters in Milwaukee one day. Antetokounmpo was drafted by the Bucks in 2013 and went on to win a pair of MVPs, a championship and a Finals MVP, establishing himself as arguably the best player in franchise history.

Things didn't end on the best of terms between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, but he'll forever be cherished by fans, and he'll always have love for his former team.

"I have so much respect for them," he said. "I hope they have respect for me and for the things that I've done within that city."

But now, Antetokounmpo will turn the page to his next chapter in Miami, where he'll look to lead the Heat back to a championship for the first time in over a decade.

He'll team up alongside Bam Adebayo and will be led by head coach Erik Spoelstra, so the Heat have all the makings of a championship team.

"I'm so driven... I'm ready for the challenge. I love pressure," he told reporters. "Pressure brings the best out of me. I don't like being in the comfort zone. I think this is the right place to be. I am excited to be here."