Bucks’ Doc Rivers Refutes Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Talks, Calls Out Report

Apr 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on in the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers did not hold back regarding the recent Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors. 

More news: Doc Rivers Refutes Claim That Bucks Are Trying to Catch Up to Pacers

Rivers was asked about the recent reports regarding a potential Antetokounmpo trade, and this is what he had to say. 

“I don’t have to because Giannis does that. Everything Giannis says is about the team and being a better team, so I don’t have to do that. Every part of Giannis says that. If you read his comments this summer, every comment he’s made is about being in Milwaukee, loving the city, but for some reason and it’s funny — what’s the old saying? You create the story and then you report on the story you created. And that’s what it feels like. And it gets old for us. But at the end of the day, there’s nothing we can do about it, but I can tell you, Jon [Horst] has never called a team about Giannis. That has never happened. And until that happens, you really don’t have a story," said Rivers. 

Asked Doc Rivers about yesterday's report regarding the Bucks and a potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade after today's practice: pic.twitter.com/8vgbCAGf6f

— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) October 8, 2025

Rivers' comments come after ESPN's Shams Charania shared in a recent piece that Antetokounmpo was exploring a potential change of teams with the New York Knicks as his preferred destination. 

"Several teams were discussed internally, but one emerged as the only place Antetokounmpo wanted to play outside of Milwaukee: the New York Knicks, multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation told ESPN," Charania said.

"The Bucks picked up the Knicks' call on Antetokounmpo, and the sides engaged in conversations for a window of time in August, league sources said, but the teams never got traction on a deal," Charania added.

The season will be crucial in the Bucks proving whether they can build a contender with Antetokounmpo as their cornerstone.

The past four seasons have been disappointing for the club, particularly the last three, during which the Bucks have lost in the first round of the playoffs. 

Antetokounmpo has not been shy about expressing his desire to play for a championship-caliber team. As things stand, the Bucks are not that team, even this season in a lowly Eastern Conference.

The 30-year-old will enter his 13th season, all with Milwaukee. This season will be a crucial one, and it could be the final one for the Greek Freak in Milwaukee, especially if they underwhelm.

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