Giannis Antetokounmpo has once again popped up on the trade rumor mill. Over the summer, Antetokounmpo was rumored to have requested a trade. However, nothing ever came to fruition, as the “Greek Freak” remained with the Bucks this season.
However, on Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, have opened talks with the Bucks regarding the two-time NBA MVP’s future, weighing whether his best fit is in Milwaukee or another destination.
Later, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers addressed the situation publicly and offered clarification to the media.
Doc Rivers Clears the Air Regarding Reports Surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo
During a recent interview, Rivers had the opportunity to shut down rumors regarding Antetokounmpo’s trade request. While many believe the idea isn’t far-fetched, Rivers seems tired of addressing what he claims is a false rumor.
“Here we go again. There have been no conversations,” Rivers said. “I want to make it clear that I would say one more time, but for the 50th time, it clearly is not getting to one network. Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever. I can’t make that any clearer.”
#Bucks Doc Rivers on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade reports:
“There have been no conversations… I want to make it clear… Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever. I can’t make that more clear.” pic.twitter.com/ZFa16RN9T6
— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) December 3, 2025
Given Rivers’ claim that Antetokounmpo has never requested a trade, it also implies the “Greek Freak” didn’t want out during the summer. However, NBA insider Brian Windhorst reported otherwise.
In a recent phone appearance on ESPN, the insider reported that Antetokounmpo did ask for a trade initially before opting to commit to the Bucks for the 2025-26 season. While there is still a possibility that Antetokounmpo could suit up for another team this season, Windhorst is looking at next season for the Bucks star’s potential departure from the team.
“The Bucks called the Knicks and asked for an offer for Giannis, because Giannis said, ‘I want to be a Knick,'” Windhorst said. “Then, people were like, ‘Oh my god, he deleted a photo from May where he had a Bucks logo on it.’ Guys, he asked to be traded already.”
“Giannis committed himself for the season to the Bucks,” Windhorst continued. “That’s what appeared happened. … I know that he asked for a trade and then he said, ‘Okay, I’m going to be a Buck this year.’ I know that a lot of people in the league don’t believe he’ll be a Buck next year.”
“Guys, he asked to be traded already,” – @WindhorstESPN details what’s going on with Giannis and the Bucks 😯 pic.twitter.com/NPlLayk8xu
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) December 3, 2025
With Antetokounmpo averaging 30.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in another MVP-caliber campaign, the cost to acquire him would be steep if he became available.
