Bucks’ Doc Rivers: Giannis Antetokounmpo never asked to be traded, no conversations

Coach Doc Rivers isn’t buying the noise.

A little more than an hour before the Bucks hosted the East-leading Pistons on Wednesday, Milwaukee’s head coach told reporters that Giannis Antetokounmpo has never asked out and that there have been no conversations with the front office about a possible trade.

That, of course, directly contradicts what multiple outlets have reported.

“Giannis has never asked to be traded,” Rivers said, via Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “There’s been no conversations about that. None.”

Rivers’ comments arrive on the heels of an ESPN report claiming Antetokounmpo and agent Alex Saratsis have been talking with the Bucks about whether his long-term fit is in Milwaukee or elsewhere.

Other league insiders have said the Knicks and Bucks held exploratory talks before the season, and that New York remains a destination Antetokounmpo finds “intriguing.” The Spurs have also been linked as a possible suitor, saving assets specifically for a run at the two-time MVP.

Milwaukee’s recent form hasn’t helped quiet the speculation. The Bucks have lost eight of their last nine and fallen to 9-13, sitting outside the play-in picture.

Multiple league sources have described the skid as “frustrating” for Antetokounmpo, with one telling ESPN the “writing is on the wall” unless the team stabilizes soon.

Rivers pushed back on all of it.

Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 30.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists, holds a player option for the 2027-28 season. He does not have a no-trade clause.

For now, the Bucks insist their superstar isn’t going anywhere — at least not by his request.