The Milwaukee Bucks are trying to stabilize their season after a string of losses recently, but focusing on that matter appears to have gotten harder after reports dropped on Wednesday about Giannis Antetokounmpo asking for a trade – or at leastwondering about his future with the only team he’s played for so far in the NBA.
However, Milwaukee head coach Doc Rivers is having none of it, as he vehemently refuted all the rumors and reports about Antetokounmpo’s desire to leave town and play for another franchise.
ViaShams Charania of ESPN:
“Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever. I can’t make that more clear,” Rivers said. “… We’re trying to win games. Listen, we’ve lost — the reason this is out is because we’re not playing well. … We’re not playing well. We had a tough loss the other night and so now this is the subject matter. It’s no more true than it was this summer.”
What’s next for Antetokounmpo and the Bucks?
Mar 14, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is greeted by head coach Doc Rivers during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Although Antetokounmpo has already won an NBA ring with the Bucks in 2021, he clearly wants at least another one while he’s still in his best years. ButMilwaukee has struggled of late to win games, as the team is just 9-13 before Wednesday’s game against the Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum.
The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player signed a three-year contract extensionworth $175.37 millionwith Milwaukee in 2023 and that came with a player option of over $62.7 million for the 2027-28 million, which means, excluding a trade, the earliest he could leave Milwaukee will be in the summer of 2027.
Mar 1, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Rivers speaks to Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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