Bucks GM Jon Horst says keeping Giannis an option, talks offseason, Doc Rivers

The Bucks don’t have a set plan. Not yet, anyway.

General manager Jon Horst made that clear in a recent conversation with local reporters. With the offseason approaching and questions swirling about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future, Horst isn’t locking into anything, as relayed by Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Not extensions. Not trades. Not one specific direction.

“The truth is I don’t know. We don’t know what we’re going to do today, and we don’t have to,” Horst said. “What I do think we have to do is be very honest, very direct, make a big assessment.”

That’s where things stand.

There’s been outside chatter suggesting the Bucks will eventually have to choose between extending Giannis or trading him. Horst pushed back on that a bit.

Those aren’t the only options.

Milwaukee will head into the summer with some flexibility. Three tradable first-round picks. Potential cap maneuverability. Contracts that can be moved.

In other words, more than one path.

“I do, yeah. Absolutely,” Horst said when asked if keeping Giannis and building around him remains viable. “And not only just from my perspective, but I also believe from Giannis’ mindset and his perspective. Whether we need ‘couples therapy’ or whatever, the assets will still be there.”

So yes, a reset is on the table. But so is doubling down.

Giannis Status Still Unclear

As for the present? Antetokounmpo still hasn’t been cleared to play.

Despite his own belief that he’s ready, the Bucks are taking a cautious approach.

“He’s not cleared to play yet in a game and we’re going to continue to evaluate it,” Horst said. “I don’t know what the outcome in that world will be, but the only lens has been to make our best professional judgment for him and for us.”

Horst added that the decision has nothing to do with draft positioning or anything beyond health.

Injuries Played A Role

Milwaukee’s season didn’t go as planned. Horst acknowledged that.

But he also pointed to injuries — particularly to Giannis and Kevin Porter Jr. — as a major factor.

“I’m not making excuses,” Horst said. “We might have overcalculated or miscalculated on whatever, but I do know that … we have two of the top 20 lineups in the NBA in net rating and the best offensive lineup in the NBA with a real sample size.”

So while the results weren’t there, the belief internally hasn’t completely wavered.

Rivers’ Future Still TBD

Horst was also asked about Doc Rivers. He didn’t offer much clarity.

Horst called Rivers an “incredible” coach and an “unbelievable partner,” but stopped short of confirming whether he’ll be back next season.

“I don’t know the outcome; we’re gonna figure it all out,” Horst said.

For what it’s worth, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reports Rivers is expected to meet with Horst and ownership soon to discuss next steps. Walking away from his contract isn’t likely, but a different role within the organization could be on the table.

Bottom line? The Bucks have options. They just haven’t chosen one yet.