Overview

• Coach Doc Rivers has dismissed trade chatter as "ridiculous" and says he expects Giannis Antetokounmpo to remain in Milwaukee.
• Veteran forward Bobby Portis expressed confidence that Giannis will stay and emphasized that his own free-agency choice depends solely on contract value.
• According to NBA Insider Chris Mannix, the Bucks are exploring a one-year competitive reset—nicknamed a “gap year”—to clear payroll and draft flexibility for 2026.
• The team’s limited salary cap room, shortage of tradable assets and Damian Lillard’s injury have complicated efforts to build a stronger supporting cast.
• An ESPN report quotes a teammate saying Giannis wields significant control over personnel and coaching decisions in Milwaukee, reinforcing his ties to the franchise.