Bucks Rumors: Giannis, Doc Rivers, locker room tension, Jon Horst

The Bucks’ difficult 2025-26 season continues to generate questions on multiple fronts, from Giannis Antetokounmpo’s health and future to internal dynamics involving players, coaches and the front office, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Here’s the latest from Milwaukee:

Giannis Eyeing Return, Incentives In Play

Antetokounmpo, who has been limited to 36 games this season due to a knee injury suffered in mid-March, is still hoping to return before the end of the regular season. According to Charania, that could happen as soon as Friday’s home finale.

Giannis is also motivated to share the court with his brothers, Thanasis and Alex Antetokounmpo, before the season ends.

Charania adds that Antetokounmpo will miss out on a “significant” Nike contract bonus that required him to appear in at least 41 games.

Backcourt Tension, Kuzma Involved

Guards Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. were addressed by Bucks coaches following a March 1 loss to Chicago after combining to shoot 9-of-27, per Charania. The staff encouraged both players to focus more on ball movement and avoid “selfish” play.

While the message was intended to be constructive, it had the opposite effect, contributing to a “splintered” locker room, Charania reports.

A players-only meeting followed, during which veteran forward Kyle Kuzma told Rollins and Porter not to be concerned with the coaching staff’s criticism.

After learning of Kuzma’s comments, the team issued him his first DNP-CD of the season. Kuzma later met with head coach Doc Rivers to address the situation.

Rivers’ Job Status In Focus

Charania describes a “season-long disconnect” between Rivers and several players. In one team meeting, Rivers reportedly pointed to his résumé.

“I took teams to the playoffs and to the championship that weren’t supposed to,” Rivers told players, according to ESPN. “I thought this was one of them.”

Ownership is expected to make a decision on Rivers’ future within the next week. He has one year remaining on his contract.

Front Office Friction

General manager Jon Horst, who signed an extension last year and remains under contract for multiple seasons, has experienced “friction” with Antetokounmpo since the trade deadline, Charania adds.

With questions surrounding the roster, coaching staff and franchise cornerstone, Milwaukee is very much headed for a pivotal offseason.