Fed up Doc Rivers makes his stance clear on Giannis trade rumors

Prior to the Milwaukee Bucks' game against the Detroit Pistons, Doc Rivers said that there has never been a trade request from Giannis Antetokounmpo.

"For the 50th time, and clearly it's not getting to one network, for sure, Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever. I can't make that more clear." This comes after ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst reported earlier in the day that Giannis had asked for a trade from the Bucks over the summer. Right now, it's a game of he-said-she-said, but Rivers has planted his flag.

Doc Rivers refutes Giannis rumors, but they aren't going away

Of course, Rivers isn't going to come out and say, "Yeah, he wants out. We're probably going to have to trade him." That's just not something a head coach will do. Yet, Rivers doubled down while talking to reporters, making it very clear he wasn't just saving face, telling them that he talks to "the source" all the time. That source is, obviously, none other than Giannis.

While Rivers spoke with certainty now, it might not mean much for long. ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Giannis and his representatives will talk with the Bucks and decide the best course of action over the next several weeks. If he hasn't requested a trade already, it could come within the next month. That's a terrifying reality the Milwaukee Bucks must prepare for.

Yet, as Rivers mentioned, most of this chatter has been birthed through the team's horrible play as of late. If the team can finally start playing better basketball, there's a chance this all goes away. That is a big ask, whether due to Rivers, the team's lack of energy, or whatever else, but this season is far from over. They've only played 22 games.

If Giannis does ask out, it will likely become public after December 15. That is when a good chunk of the league will become trade-eligible due to free agency rules. Teams will be able to make far better pitches once that date passes. If the Milwaukee Bucks can string together some wins before then, this chatter could die down. If they keep losing, it's not going anywhere.

It will be a test for the Milwaukee Bucks, who have a tough schedule coming up, including facing off with the Pistons in two of their next three games, as well as rematches with the 76ers and Raptors, teams they've lost to this season. If there were ever a time for the Bucks to break out of this slump and silence Giannis rumors, this would be it.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.