Bucks’ coach talks about the possibility of Giannis before the NBA trade deadline
The Milwaukee Bucks are navigating a difficult stretch as the NBA trade deadline approaches on February 5. The season has not gone as planned, and injuries have contributed to the team’s inconsistency.
The biggest concern has been Giannis Antetokounmpo's availability, the face of the franchise and a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player.
Antetokounmpo is currently sidelined with a right calf injury, and the Bucks have taken a cautious approach to his recovery, with no firm return timetable announced.
When healthy, Antetokounmpo has continued to produce at an elite level. He is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, anchoring Milwaukee on both ends of the floor.
His absence has been felt, especially during a stretch where the Bucks have struggled to maintain consistency and are 12th in the Eastern Conference.
To make matters worse, speculation around Antetokounmpo’s future has intensified with the trade deadline just four days away. Multiple teams, including the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves, have been linked to interest in acquiring him, with the Warriors emerging as a strong suitor, according to ESPN.
Ahead of Milwaukee’s road game against the Boston Celtics, head coach Doc Rivers addressed the ongoing rumours.
“Giannis has said everything we need to hear,” Rivers said on Sunday. “He wants to be a Buck and loves the city. Has it been difficult? Yeah. My favourite day of the year this year will be the day after the trade deadline.”
“Giannis has said everything that we need to hear. That he wants to be a Buck, he loves the city. That’s all I can go by as a coach right now.”
Rivers emphasised that trade speculation is part of the league, but his focus remains on preparing the team.
Milwaukee will continue to manage Antetokounmpo’s injury carefully while hoping his recovery can steady the team as the postseason race tightens. However, it remains to be seen if he will be returning to action in a Bucks jersey after Thursday’s deadline.
