Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers shut down trade rumors involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, calling them "ridiculous" and reaffirming the star's loyalty to the team.
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers is pushing back on renewed speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo's future, insisting the two-time MVP remains loyal to the franchise and dismissing recent trade rumors as baseless.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo
MIN: 34.4
PTS: 30.57 (60.92%)
REB: 12.15
As: 6.47
ST: 0.88
BL: 1.15
TO: 3.18
GM: 72
Rivers addressed the chatter on The Bill Simmons Podcast, where he labeled the reports "ridiculous" and emphasized that Antetokounmpo has repeatedly made his commitment clear.
"I don't know how many times Giannis has to say he wants to be a Buck," Rivers said. "It's so ridiculous."
The 63-year-old coach compared the situation to his time with the Boston Celtics, when false reports of a Rajon Rondo trade spread despite no internal discussions, causing unnecessary locker room distractions.
"It was absurd. We had never had any conversations, but Rondo heard it," Rivers recalled. "You don't like it when you hear [rumors] because you know they're not true... but your players hear it and everybody else hears it."
Rivers added that Antetokounmpo's loyalty is increasingly rare in today's NBA, likening him to Stephen Curry as a player who may stay with one franchise his entire career.
"I don't think Steph Curry would ever leave Golden State. I'm hoping obviously Giannis feels the same way."
Antetokounmpo, 30, remains under contract with the Bucks through the 2026–27 season, with a player option for 2027–28. While he's made no public trade requests, recent reports from Shams Charania suggest the forward is closely monitoring Milwaukee's future plans, particularly after three consecutive first-round playoff exits.
Charania added that Giannis has been "exploring other options" by watching film of different teams and rosters. However, he emphasized that the star remains focused on competing in Milwaukee, barring major changes in the franchise's trajectory.
Points this season
Milwaukee Bucks
NBA
The Bucks' 2024–25 season ended with a 48–34 record and a fifth-place finish in the Eastern Conference, followed by a first-round loss to the Indiana Pacers — who later advanced to the NBA Finals. Despite winning the NBA Cup in December, Milwaukee failed to generate consistent momentum.
With Damian Lillard recovering from injury, limited cap flexibility, and important offseason decisions looming for Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, and Gary Trent Jr., the Bucks face a critical summer.
To strengthen their case, the organization has reportedly pitched Antetokounmpo on a larger offensive role next season. Giannis is coming off another stellar campaign, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists while shooting 60.1% from the field.
Antetokounmpo has spent his entire 12-year career with the Bucks since being drafted 15th overall in 2013. He delivered Milwaukee's first championship in 50 years in 2021 and has continued to voice his desire to contend again with the team.
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