Before their game against the Boston Celtics on Sunday, Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers spoke about forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Rivers stated that the team does not plan to trade Antetokounmpo before the NBA deadline on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET. He emphasized that the player wants to stay with the Bucks. Antetokounmpo missed the game against Boston due to a calf injury.
Doc Rivers on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Trade Rumors
“Giannis has expressed that he wants to be a Buck and loves the city,” Rivers told ESPN’s “NBA Countdown.” “It has been tough for everyone with the ongoing trade discussions. The day after the trade deadline will be my favorite day this year. I believe everyone will be here.”
Rivers may have said this to enhance Antetokounmpo’s trade value, which is already significant. The Bucks would struggle to contend for a championship, even with a healthy Antetokounmpo.
Loss to Celtics Highlights Need for Change
The Celtics defeated the Bucks, 107-79. Boston guard Jaylen Brown led with 30 points on 12-of-20 shooting and added 13 rebounds and two assists. In contrast, Milwaukee shot 29-of-82 (35%) from the field.
With this loss, Milwaukee’s record stands at 18-29, and they have lost 8 of their last 10 games, placing them 12th in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics are currently second in the conference with a record of 31-18, going 7-3 in their last 10 games.
The Bucks, who last reached the Eastern Conference Finals after winning their second title in the 2020-21 season, face a closing championship window. To rebuild, they need more draft picks, and trading Antetokounmpo, in the first year of a three-year, $175.36M contract, could help them acquire these resources.
Several playoff-bound teams might be interested in Antetokounmpo, who just made his 10th All-Star appearance. The Golden State Warriors could offer a package including forward Draymond Green. Other teams inquiring could be the Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, and New York Knicks.
While Rivers may prefer to keep his roster intact, it’s time for the Bucks to recognize that Antetokounmpo may not win another championship in Milwaukee. Instead of holding him back in his prime, the team should consider letting the veteran pursue a second title elsewhere.