Rivers denies rumors! The Bucks have not negotiated the future with Giannis, nor has he ever requested a trade.

On December 4th Beijing time, Bucks head coach Doug Rivers confirmed on Wednesday that there have been no negotiations between the team’s management and two-time MVP Giannis about a possible exit.

Earlier, ESPN reported that Giannis and his agent Alex Saratsis had initiated conversations with the Bucks to discuss the superstar’s future, weighing the options of staying or joining another team. Rivers made these remarks before the Bucks’ game against the Pistons, emphasizing that “there have been no discussions on this matter.”

“Giannis has never submitted a trade request—never,” Rivers said. “I want to make that crystal clear.”

Since the Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive year last season, Giannis’s future has been a hot topic across the league.

Before this season began, ESPN revealed that the Bucks and the New York Knicks had held trade talks regarding Giannis in August, but no concrete agreement was reached. According to the report, Giannis had clearly stated that New York was the only team besides Milwaukee he was willing to play for.

After this news broke, Giannis expressed confidence in the Bucks’ prospects for the season, saying he was “fully committed,” but also admitted that if things did not go as expected in the coming months, he might reconsider.

“I believe in this team,” Giannis said at the time. “I believe in my teammates. I will lead this team to pursue every possible goal. The journey will be tough, and we will fight step by step, but I will stay here. Outside distractions don’t matter. I have communicated with my teammates and those I respect and love. Once I step on the court, enter the gym, and wear this jersey, nothing else matters. I will focus on every game and every task ahead.”

“Of course, if six or seven months from now I change my mind, that’s understandable. Everyone has the right to make their own choice. But right now, I am 100% committed. My heart is with this team, these teammates, the entire coaching staff, and myself.”

However, since then, the Bucks’ performance has steadily declined.

By Wednesday before the game, the Bucks had lost 8 of their last 9 games, holding a 9-13 record and ranking 11th in the Eastern Conference. During this stretch, they also suffered a seven-game losing streak, with Giannis missing 4 games due to a left adductor strain.

“Let’s be honest,” Rivers admitted, “the team is playing poorly right now. A few days ago, we lost a tough game in Washington, and then these rumors became the focus. But just like the rumors from this summer, they are baseless. Will this affect the team and players? I hope not. Judging from the players’ statements today, not yet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t in the future. I can’t give a definite answer.”

Rivers then reiterated his strong belief that Giannis has no intention of leaving.

“I always say I will ask the person involved directly,” Rivers said. “I talk to him every day—every single day. He loves Milwaukee and he loves the Bucks.”