Doc Rivers Details Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Request and Move to Miami

Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.3 points and 12.7 rebounds for the Miami Heat following a multi-player trade from Milwaukee.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded this summer from the Milwaukee Bucks 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 a second-round pick. Bobby Portis also moved to Miami as part of the transaction. Through a 120-100 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, Antetokounmpo is leading the 3-6 Heat with 27.3 points and 12.7 rebounds per game.

Former Bucks coach Doc Rivers told "The Bill Simmons Podcast" that Antetokounmpo and agent Alex Saratsis informed Milwaukee leadership of a trade request in May 2025. Rivers alleged that the forward avoided making a public demand to avoid being perceived as the "bad guy," instead wanting the front office to initiate the move. This contradicted Antetokounmpo's public statements during the 2025-26 season where he claimed he would never demand an exit.

Rivers, who went 97-103 during three seasons in Milwaukee, was dismissed after the team missed the 2025-26 postseason. The coach criticized Antetokounmpo’s lack of execution and reliance on a "downhill" physical style of play rather than basketball IQ. Rivers, now an NBA analyst for NBC, stated he has no plans to return to coaching after his tenure ended with two first-round exits and one missed playoff appearance.