Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has responded strongly to the persistent Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors response circulating this spring. Speaking on The Bill Simmons Show, Rivers dismissed the trade talk as “ridiculous,” expressing frustration over the ongoing speculation involving his star player.
Doc Rivers Expresses Frustration Over False Trade Rumors
During his recent interview, Rivers addressed the widespread trade rumors surrounding Antetokounmpo, emphasizing that the reports are untrue and damaging to the team’s morale. The veteran coach said he finds the chatter especially troubling because it spreads to players and fans alike, despite lacking factual basis.
It’s so ridiculous. And I’ve heard all these reports, you hear all this stuff but you don’t like it when you hear it because you know it’s not true, Bill. But still, your players hear it and everybody else hears it,
—Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks head coach
Antetokounmpo, the Bucks’ two-time NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, has been the cornerstone of the franchise since being selected 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. His impressive career includes nine All-Star selections and a 2021 NBA championship, the team’s first in half a century. Despite this success, Milwaukee has struggled in recent postseasons, failing to advance beyond the second round in the last four years, which has fueled trade speculation.
This spring, various teams including the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs have been linked to potential trade targets involving Antetokounmpo, although no official discussions have been confirmed.
Rivers Draws Parallels Between Antetokounmpo Rumors and Past Celtics Trade Speculation
Rivers also referenced a similar experience from his time coaching the Boston Celtics to illustrate how damaging rumor mills can be for players. He recounted hearing false news about a trade involving former Celtics star Rajon Rondo, which never progressed beyond speculation.
And I remember telling you the story when I was in Boston: I’m on a treadmill working out. That’s when I could run still on a treadmill. And they announced that the Boston Celtics are about to trade Rajon Rondo I think to the Lakers. And I was like, ‘What?!’ And it was absurd. Like we had never had any conversations, but Rondo heard it, you know? And so that’s the only thing I don’t like about all this now,
—Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks head coach
Rajon Rondo was originally selected by the Phoenix Suns but traded immediately to Boston in the 2006 NBA Draft. He remained with the Celtics for over eight seasons, seven of them under Rivers’ coaching, and won an NBA title before eventually moving on to other teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers several years later.
Rivers Optimistic About Antetokounmpo’s Future With the Bucks
Despite acknowledging the ongoing trade talks, Rivers expressed hope and confidence that Antetokounmpo remains committed to the Bucks. He cited Giannis’s repeated statements about wanting to stay in Milwaukee and win, comparing this loyalty to that of other NBA stars who have remained with their teams long term.
I don’t know how many more times Giannis has to say he wants to be a Buck and he wants to win a title with the Bucks and it’s so cool to me because it’s not the way it’s done anymore,
—Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks head coach
But with certain guys, I don’t think Steph Curry would ever leave Golden State ever and I’m hoping obviously Giannis feels the same way. That’s the way he’s been so far and it’s been great. It’s been awesome.
—Doc Rivers, Milwaukee Bucks head coach
Rivers’s comments underline his belief that Antetokounmpo’s relationship with the Bucks remains strong, despite the external noise. Maintaining the franchise’s star player is vital as Milwaukee aims to return to championship contention in the coming seasons.
With the trade rumors continuing, the Bucks coach’s clear rebuttal seeks to quell misinformation and reassure fans about the franchise’s plans around Giannis Antetokounmpo. The coming months will likely reveal how these narratives evolve as the team prepares for future playoff runs.