Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers on Thursday pushed back sharply against renewed chatter surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term status, insisting the two-time MVP has never asked out of Milwaukee.
“There’s been no conversations. Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever,” Rivers told reporters, including The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, after a report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania said the forward had reopened dialogue with the organization about his future.
ESPN comments fuel debate
Rivers’ remarks appeared aimed at ESPN after the network’s insider Brian Windhorst said on a Cleveland radio show that Antetokounmpo had already requested a move prior to the season—a claim Windhorst later softened on Get Up. “He didn’t demand it,” Windhorst said, though he added offseason talks with the New York Knicks were “not the Bucks’ idea.”
Team sources who spoke with Nehm and colleague Sam Amick downplayed any crisis and confirmed no formal trade request has been filed.
League keeps watch amid slow start
Milwaukee’s uneven opening to the season and Antetokounmpo’s recent wipe of nearly all content from his social-media accounts have kept front offices on alert. Windhorst said several clubs met Wednesday to discuss potential offers should the star become available. The Knicks are viewed as a possible destination, though Windhorst noted Antetokounmpo could expand any preferred list because he has just one guaranteed season left after the current campaign.
All parties would reportedly like clarity “in the next couple weeks,” with Dec. 15—when many recently signed players become trade-eligible—marked as a key date.
Potential suitors and obstacles
- Brooklyn Nets: The New York Post’s Brian Lewis reported long-standing interest but said Brooklyn’s current rebuild and lack of a cornerstone co-star could complicate a pursuit.
- Miami Heat: Sun Sentinel writer Ira Winderman believes Miami would inquire yet views center Bam Adebayo as untouchable, casting doubt on the Heat’s asset pool.
- Hypothetical deals: ESPN analysts outlined scenarios involving the Hawks, Rockets, Knicks, Spurs, and Warriors that might satisfy Milwaukee’s demands.
Bucks notch morale-boosting win
Despite the turmoil—and with Antetokounmpo exiting after three minutes Wednesday due to a left calf strain—the Bucks secured their best victory of the season, edging the Detroit Pistons 113-109. Forward Bobby Portis said a pre-game team meeting helped steady the group.
The calf injury is expected to sideline Antetokounmpo for two to four weeks.
Source: Hoops Rumors
