Giannis Antetokounmpo has been dominating the headlines during these NBA playoffs lately, but not in the way the Milwaukee Bucks would have liked. Trade rumors have been swirling around regarding Antetokounmpo, and Bucks head coach Doc Rivers was asked about them by TMZ.
“Guys, I’m not doing all that,” Rivers said. “I talk to him all the time. You can move on now, thank you.”
It’s not surprising that Rivers isn’t all that interested in talking about the rumors. He’d be hoping that Antetokounmpo, who averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game in the 2024-25 season, decides to stay with the Bucks, but that doesn’t appear too likely.
All this chatter began after NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo was open-minded about exploring whether it was in his best interests to be with the Bucks. They have been knocked out in the first round three years in a row and aren’t viewed as serious title contenders at this point.
If the 30-year-old Antetokounmpo wants to add to the one championship he won in 2021, staying with the Bucks would not be the right decision. His co-star, Damian Lillard, is set to be out for a while after tearing his Achilles in the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, and the team does not have the assets to retool.
Antetokounmpo has not yet asked for a trade, but NBA agents believe he will direct the Bucks to send him to his preferred destination. As for what that is, well, NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson reported the Bucks star’s preferences.
“I’m told he’s looking for three things: 1. Staying in the Eastern Conference, to keep his travel and media profile intact, 2. Being in a position of control, with a voice in roster building and coaching direction, 3. A market where other stars would want to join him — a place that isn’t just a destination for him, but could become a destination because of him.”
Based on that, we put out four realistic destinations for Antetokounmpo. One team that fit the bill was the Miami Heat, but Robinson later reported that the nine-time All-Star is hesitant to go there because of team president Pat Riley.
While the Dallas Mavericks do not satisfy all of Antetokounmpo’s reported preferences, they have been linked with him too after winning the NBA Draft Lottery. The No. 1 pick is an incredible trade asset, but that’s more so the case this year as Cooper Flagg is the prize.
Some have wondered if the Mavericks will part with that pick for a star like Antetokounmpo. Rivers was asked during this impromptu interview if he would trade him for Flagg, and gave a very blunt response.
“There’s some things I don’t even have to answer,” Rivers said.
If the Bucks were offered that pick, they should consider the trade. Flagg is unlikely ever to be as good as Antetokounmpo, but he would be a fine young piece to build around. You wouldn’t expect the Mavericks to shop that pick, but this team did trade Luka Doncic, so it would be foolish to rule anything out when it comes to them.
As for Rivers himself, you wonder what the future holds for him. Would he be interested in staying if Antetokounmpo leaves the Bucks? Time will tell.
