Giannis Antetokounmpo joins Miami Heat, swaps to jersey No. 7

Two‑time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat in early July 2026. The blockbuster deal sent the Greek Freak, along with forward Bobby Portis, to Miami in exchange for guard Tyler Herro, forward Kel’el Ware and multiple future draft picks. Antetokounmpo was officially introduced at a press conference in Miami, flanked by team president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra. He explained his decision to change his jersey number from 34 – a number he said carried “a lot of history” and respect for the Bucks – to 7, describing the new number as “fresh, clean” and a chance to create new moments.

In his remarks, Antetokounmpo praised the Heat’s “culture” of hard work, discipline and self‑lessness, and expressed excitement about competing for “multiple titles” alongside teammates Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler. He highlighted personal motivations for moving to Miami, including family ties to the city and the perception that it is a “warm, family‑friendly” environment. The acquisition is expected to shift the balance of power in the Eastern Conference, positioning the Heat as a primary championship contender for the 2026‑27 season.