Doc Rivers Says Giannis Antetokounmpo Did Not Request to be Traded

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers as soon as once more took middle stage to quell the latest Giannis Antetokounmpo commerce rumblings.

Amid rumors swirling throughout the league, Rivers expressed his fatigue with having to repeat himself in regards to the franchise star’s future.

Bucks Struggle Fuel Fresh Trade Rumors

The disappointing season in Milwaukee has supplied fertile floor for hypothesis. There are reviews that Giannis is shedding religion within the franchise’s capacity to construct a contender, with one declare that he requested a commerce to the Knicks final summer time.

“So here we go again. There have been no conversations. I want to make it clear, and I would say one more time, but for the fiftieth time, Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever. I cannot make that more clear. I go to the source. I talk to the source every single day. He loves Milwaukee, and he loves the Bucks,” Rivers informed the press.

It does not matter, although: regardless of his agency stance, the noise across the Bucks has solely grown louder amid the crew’s troubling 9–13 begin.

Fueling theories even additional, Giannis just lately scrubbed almost all Bucks-related posts from his social media accounts, an motion that has solely intensified the idea that he could also be making ready for a contemporary begin.

According to reviews, all that 30-year-old Giannis desires is one factor: an precise probability to win. The Bucks’ failure to satisfy expectations noticed rival groups place themselves rapidly for a possible sweepstakes.

Knicks, Heat, and Warriors Among Top Suitors

While the New York Knicks are largely believed to be the frontrunners, different franchises just like the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs are additionally preserving an in depth eye on the scenario. Each group is able to put collectively an attractive commerce bundle ought to Giannis grow to be out there.

According to Fadeaway World, a signing with New York might give Giannis each a aggressive roster and the chance to develop his international model within the nation’s largest media market.

Bucks Fight to Keep Their Franchise Star

The Bucks nonetheless have management over the three-year, $174 million contract Antetokounmpo signed by 2027. Nevertheless, inner uncertainty and rising frustration have created an environment Milwaukee desperately desires to keep away from.

Rivers continues to defend his star participant, indicating loyalty stays intact. At the identical time, he is aware of that shedding nurtures doubt, and the Bucks have struggled to search out consistency.

Milwaukee Must Win to Secure Giannis’ Future

No matter what number of occasions Rivers denies the rumors, the reality is easy: the Bucks should show they will nonetheless contend on the highest stage. Every loss provides stress, invitations extra hypothesis, and chips away on the perception that Milwaukee can ship one other championship window.