'He wants to be a Buck': Doc Rivers pushes back on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade chatter

On a recent guest spot on “NBA on ESPN,” Rivers stated that the 31-year-old forward/center has told the Bucks he wants to remain in Milwaukee. If accurate, this directly contradicts the trade rumors that have been swirling for weeks.

“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.” remarked the Bucks head coach.

Doc Rivers on Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks superstar has appeared in trade discussions linking him to teams like the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors. He is in the first year of a three-year contract worth slightly over $175 million, meaning a potential new team wouldn’t face immediate contract negotiations.

The Greek Freak has sat out the past two games for the Bucks after injuring his calf during their 102-100 loss to the Denver Nuggets on January 23. At the time, he was expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.

This season, Giannis Antetokounmpo has appeared in 30 games, and when on the court, the nine-time All-Star has maintained his usual efficiency. Over those contests, he is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 64.5 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three-point range.

Whether Giannis remains a Buck in five days is a question the entire NBA is watching, analyzing, and weighing in on. For Milwaukee, though, this season is already a lost cause. The team isn’t strong enough to contend even with Giannis, and without him, their struggles are evident in a 3-13 record.