Giannis Antetokounmpo ‘didn’t want to be the bad guy’ and ask for trade from Bucks, says Doc Rivers

Antetokounmpo was eventually dealt in June to the Miami Heat.

By Sean Leahy · Yahoo

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 3:02 PM

Key Things to Know

Doc Rivers stated Giannis Antetokounmpo avoided requesting a trade because he did not want to be the bad guy.
Rivers revealed on The Bill Simmons Podcast that Antetokounmpo repeatedly wavered about his future with Milwaukee.
The former Bucks coach offered critical evaluations regarding Antetokounmpo's basketball IQ and execution.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers claimed that Giannis Antetokounmpo avoided asking for a trade because he did not want to be viewed as the bad guy. Speaking on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Rivers stated that Antetokounmpo repeatedly wavered over his future before eventually departing Milwaukee for the Miami Heat.

Rivers offered blunt assessments of his time coaching the two-time MVP, pointing out limitations in Antetokounmpo's basketball IQ while praising his passing ability. The comments surfaced amid Miami's slow 2-5 start to the season as the team works through on-court chemistry issues.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo ‘didn’t want to be the bad guy’ and ask for trade from Bucks, says Doc Rivers

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