The Milwaukee Bucks had a disappointing showing in this year’s Eastern Conference playoffs, falling in five games in the first round to the Indiana Pacers. That early exit fueled speculation about a possible move by Giannis Antetokounmpo to another NBA franchise. Now, head coach Doc Rivers has addressed the topic, drawing a parallel to Stephen Curry.
“I don’t think Steph Curry would ever leave Golden State, ever, and I’m hoping obviously Giannis is the same way,” Rivers said during a recent interview on The Bill Simmons Podcast. The coach made it clear that, just as Curry has remained with one franchise since entering the NBA in 2009, Antetokounmpo could follow a similar path. “That’s the way he’s been so far and it’s been great.”
But beyond speculation, Rivers turned to facts, specifically the Greek power forward’s own words whenever he’s discussed his future. “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,” said Rivers. “And it’s so cool to me… because it’s not the way it’s done anymore.”
The Bucks coach went on to talk about how these types of rumors can be a distraction for NBA teams, even when there’s no truth to them. “It’s so ridiculous and you hear all this stuff. But you don’t like it when you hear it because you know it’s not true… your players hear it and everybody else hears it,” he added.
Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks
To illustrate his point, Rivers recalled a similar situation during his time as head coach of the Boston Celtics (2004–2013), when reports surfaced about a possible trade involving Rajon Rondo—even though nothing was actually being considered by the organization at the time: “I was like, ‘What?’ And it was absurd, like we had never had any conversations, but Rondo heard it. And so that’s the only thing I don’t like about all this now.”
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Rumors surrounding Giannis
In recent weeks, reports from multiple sources have suggested that various teams around the league are interested in pursuing a trade for Antetokounmpo. Among those frequently mentioned are the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, and New York Knicks.
However, statements like those from Doc Rivers cast doubt on the likelihood of Giannis leaving Milwaukee anytime soon. The most probable outcome appears to be his continued tenure with the team he led to an NBA championship in 2021. The forward is under contract with the Bucks for three more seasons, including a player option for the final year (2027–28).
Rivers on Damian Lillard
In addition to Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks are counting on Damian Lillard. The guard has been a key piece for the team, but a serious Achilles tendon injury suffered this year will keep him off the court for an extended period.
When asked about speculation surrounding Lillard’s return, Doc Rivers was clear. “I’m staying out of it but I do think he’ll come back by the end of the next season you know because he had it early enough in the playoffs,” the coach said during the same conversation on The Bill Simmons Podcast.
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