NBA1 hr ago
Rivers Details Giannis Trade Maneuvers With Bucks
Former coach describes how the star sought an exit while avoiding direct blame
· 2 min read
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Trade Process Unfolds
Giannis Antetokounmpo informed Milwaukee he wanted a trade as early as May 2025 yet continued to state publicly that he remained committed. Doc Rivers said the player kept the situation uncertain by avoiding an outright request, preferring instead that general manager Jon Horst and owner Wes Edens initiate the move. The Bucks eventually sent Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks, one pick swap and one second-round pick.
On-Court Style and Leadership
Rivers noted that Antetokounmpo needed to commit more fully to the group rather than relying on individual ability. He described the forward's downhill approach as relentless but lacking in execution and basketball intelligence at times, which created challenges for teammates. The coach believed Antetokounmpo could have benefited from more structured practice habits to improve team play.
Bucks Tenure Ends
Rivers coached the Bucks for three seasons and finished with a 97-103 record. The team reached the playoffs twice but exited in the first round both times before missing the postseason entirely in 2025-26. The Heat began Antetokounmpo's first year there with a 3-6 mark, including a 120-100 loss to the Golden State Warriors, though the forward leads the club with 27.3 points and 12.7 rebounds per game. Rivers has since joined NBC as an analyst and stated he has no plans to return to coaching.
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