He averaged 29/6/7 over an 8 year span, put the franchise back on the map, multiple deep playoff runs, multiple All-NBA's, MVP, historical numbers etc. Team was never really favorite to win anything, but he kept them elite for a long stretch. To put it simple he had a legendary run there, this was bound to happen.
I mean why even bring this up now? could literally have just not issued his number then when he retires you decide then