Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks remains unsolved just days before the trade deadline.
Antetokounmpo has not requested a trade away from Milwaukee, but it has been reported that he would relish a new challenge.
The Bucks are no longer in a position to match the Greek Freak’s ambitions of contending for another championship.
Head coach Doc Rivers has now weighed in on whether he expects Antetokounmpo to be traded this week.
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks talks with head coach Doc Rivers during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on November 17, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images
Despite the trade rumors, Rivers is convinced that Antetokounmpo will stay with the Bucks until at least the end of the season.
“Giannis has said everything that we need to hear,” Rivers claimed on ESPN. “He wants to be a Buck; he loves the city, and that’s all I can go by as a coach right now.
“Has it been difficult? Yeah. Your players hear stuff every single day, not just about our best player, but they’re thrown into the mix as well.
“My favorite day of the year this year will be the day after the trade deadline. I think everyone will be here, so I’m looking forward to that.”
However, the Bucks are reportedly open to moving Antetokounmpo if they receive a big enough trade package.
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Therefore, Rivers may be left disappointed if a contending team offers several first-round picks and young players for the Greek Freak.
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on November 29, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
Doc Rivers’ update on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury status
Antetokounmpo is currently enduring a spell on the sidelines with a right calf injury that he suffered against the Denver Nuggets.
While the power forward’s leg is recovering, Rivers was unable to provide a timeframe for his return.
“We have to wait and find out where his health is. He’s improving,” Rivers explained.
“Giannis is gonna play. I think Giannis is going to come back and play at some point. We just don’t know when that point is… He’s progressing. It’s going to take a minute because we’ve done this over and over.
“I’ve been here through two playoff series so far, and I’ve yet to have a healthy team. Giannis in the first year and Dame in the second year.
“Giannis wants to be healthy. He wants to get into the playoffs healthy, and he wants his team to be healthy.”
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