Doc Rivers Denies Any Trade Request From Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Milwaukee, WI — Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said Wednesday that Giannis Antetokounmpo has never asked to be traded and that the organization has held no conversations about moving the two-time MVP.
“Giannis has never asked to be traded. There’s been no conversations about that. None,” Rivers told reporters roughly one hour before the Bucks hosted the Eastern Conference–leading Detroit Pistons.
The coach’s remarks directly refute recent reports suggesting Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, had discussed the star’s long-term future with team executives. Other league rumblings have linked the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs as potential destinations, with the Knicks reportedly engaging in exploratory talks before the season and the Spurs stockpiling assets for a possible run at the forward.
Speculation intensified as Milwaukee dropped eight of its last nine games, falling to 9-13 and outside the Eastern Conference play-in picture. League sources described the stretch as frustrating for Antetokounmpo, and one source told ESPN “the writing is on the wall” unless the Bucks regain stability soon.
Antetokounmpo is averaging 30.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists through 22 games. His contract includes a player option for the 2027-28 season and does not contain a no-trade clause.
For now, the Bucks maintain that their franchise cornerstone is not looking to leave — and, according to Rivers, the subject has never even been on the table.
Source: Hoops Wire
