With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching on February 5, the rumor mill is in overdrive-and one name at the center of it all is Giannis Antetokounmpo. But while the chatter around a potential blockbuster move has only grown louder, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers is throwing cold water on the speculation.
“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."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 1, 2026
Doc Rivers on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors 👀
(via @ESPNNBA)pic.twitter.com/Bg90HAmHdd
Appearing on NBA on ESPN, Rivers made it clear: as far as he’s concerned, Giannis isn’t going anywhere.
“Giannis has said everything that we need to hear,” Rivers said. “That he wants to be a Buck, he loves the city. That's all I can go by as a coach right now.”
That’s a pretty definitive statement, especially when you consider how much noise there’s been around Antetokounmpo in recent weeks. Teams like the Knicks and Warriors have been floated as possible destinations, but if Rivers’ comments reflect the reality inside the Bucks’ locker room, Milwaukee fans can breathe a little easier-for now.
Giannis is in the first year of a three-year, $175 million deal, which adds another layer of intrigue to the trade talk. Any team acquiring him wouldn’t have to worry about negotiating a new deal immediately. That kind of contract security makes him even more valuable-not just as a player, but as a long-term asset.
But let’s not forget: right now, Giannis isn’t even on the floor. He’s missed the last two games after suffering a calf injury during a tight 102-100 loss to the Denver Nuggets back on January 23. The initial recovery timeline was set at four to six weeks, which means the Bucks could be without their superstar for a significant stretch as the playoff race heats up.
Still, when he’s been available this season, Giannis has been nothing short of dominant. Through 30 games in the 2025-26 campaign, the nine-time All-Star is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. And he’s doing it with ruthless efficiency-shooting 64.5% from the field and a career-best 39.5% from three.
That kind of production isn’t just All-Star caliber-it’s MVP-level impact. And it’s a big reason why the Bucks, despite some recent turbulence, remain a threat in the East.
So while the outside noise continues to swirl, inside the Bucks’ camp, the message is steady: Giannis is here, he’s committed, and when healthy, he’s still one of the most dominant forces in the league. Whether that holds true past the deadline remains to be seen-but for now, Milwaukee is standing firm.