Giannis Antetokounmpo and Doc Rivers (Photo by Imagn Images)

Doc Rivers Acknowledges Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Loyalty as Trade Rumors Swirl

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Kenny Nosay | Last updated Feb 1, 2026 11:47 PM ET

There’s no doubt that the biggest name that’s been mentioned ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline is none other than Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. It’s not too far-fetched to think that nearly all teams have at least made an inquiry. It’s Giannis, you know.

But out of all the potential scenarios for a trade, four teams have been consistently mentioned as a likely destination for the two-time league MVP. We all know that Antetokounmpo won’t go to a rebuilding team. Milwaukee won’t do him dirty like that. But due to all the trade chatter, how do people within the Bucks’ brass truly feel about it? Head coach Doc Rivers has shared his thoughts about the future of his prized star.

“Giannis has said everything that we need to hear. That he wants to be a Buck, he loves the city. That’s all I can go by as a coach right now. Has it been difficult? Yeah. Your players, every day they hear stuff,” according to Bucks head coach Doc Rivers.

"Giannis has said everything that we need to hear. That he wants to be a Buck, he loves the city. That's all I can go by as a coach right now."

Bucks head coach Doc Rivers on the Giannis trade reports pic.twitter.com/xhfPat3Nv2
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 1, 2026

“You know, my favorite day of the year this year would be the day after the trade deadline. I’m looking forward to that,” he added.

Rivers may know a thing or two about the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo. But he could also just be stating what he’s been allowed to say in the media by the team’s upper management.

As a coach, Doc Rivers does not want to lose his star player. He may not want to stick around to coach a rebuilding team if a trade goes through.

A Darkhorse Team Emerges for the Giannis Sweepstakes

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image Credits: Imagn)

The Warriors, Knicks, Timberwolves, and Spurs have been frequently mentioned as possible destinations for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Toronto is reportedly interested, too, but has stated that Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes are off limits.

Newer reports suggest that another team wants to enter the Giannis sweepstakes – the Los Angeles Lakers. “I was told recently that the Lakers were a team to keep an eye on from Giannis’ standpoint, just as another team of interest,” according to a report by Howard Beck.

Any deal with LA would certainly involve Austin Reaves. Will Luka Doncic approve of that?

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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