Giannis Antetokounmpo: Doc Rivers denounces Bucks exit rumors

Doc Rivers defends Giannis Antetokounmpo against transfer speculation. The Milwaukee Bucks coach calls rumors about his superstar's possible move to New York "ridiculous."

By@Sylvain Sultat

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Giannis Antetokounmpo: Doc Rivers denounces Bucks exit rumors

Photo Credit : Benny Sieu - Imagn Images

Transfer rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to fuel NBA discussions, but Doc Rivers has had enough. The Milwaukee Bucks coach strongly reacted to persistent speculation about his superstar’s potential departure, calling these rumors « ridiculous ».

Doc Rivers’ firm stance against speculation

« It’s so ridiculous, I’ve heard all of it, » Doc Rivers said on the Bill Simmons Podcast, expressing his frustration with recurring rumors. The Bucks coach drew a parallel with his past experience in Boston, recalling a similar situation with Rajon Rondo: « And I was there like: what? It was absurd. It was as if we never had conversations, but Rondo heard it. »

For Rivers, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s message has been clear for years. « I don’t know how many times Giannis still needs to say that he wants to be a Buck and that he wants to win a championship with the Bucks, » insists the coach. The « Greek Freak, » drafted by Milwaukee in 2013, has never known another franchise and has regularly expressed his attachment to the organization.

Knicks preparing a « tsunami » offer

Despite Rivers’ statements, speculation persists about a possible trade. According to journalist Gery Woelfl, the New York Knicks are preparing a « tsunami offer » to attract Antetokounmpo. This rumor coincides with recent changes at the Knicks, including Tom Thibodeau’s firing and interest in Jason Kidd as a replacement.

Trade scenarios mention complex exchanges involving Karl-Anthony Towns or OG Anunoby, along with multiple draft picks. However, Doc Rivers remains optimistic about the Bucks’ championship chances. « I said before the playoffs: I can’t remember a better time in the NBA for a player to win a championship, anyone. There’s no dominant team right now, » he analyzes.

The coach even compares Giannis to Stephen Curry, whom he doesn’t see leaving Golden State. This loyalty to a single franchise is becoming rare in the modern NBA, but Rivers hopes his star player will continue on this path in Wisconsin.

Sylvain Sultat

Sylvain Sultat suit la NBA au quotidien, entre performances individuelles, dynamiques collectives et grandes histoires de la ligue. Sur BeBasket, il décrypte l’actualité américaine avec passion et régularité, toujours à l’affût des tendances qui font bouger le monde du basket.