Bucks Won't Shut Down Antetokounmpo for Season, Coach Says

Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers says Giannis Antetokounmpo will return when healthy, despite uncertain timeline.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 11:55pm

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Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers reiterated that the team has no plans to shut down star player Giannis Antetokounmpo for the rest of the season, despite Antetokounmpo being sidelined with a calf strain. Rivers said Antetokounmpo is "getting close" to returning and will play when he is healthy, though the timeline for his return remains uncertain.

Why it matters

Antetokounmpo's health and future with the Bucks has been a major storyline this season, with the team struggling without their two-time MVP. The Bucks' decision to keep Antetokounmpo and not trade him at the deadline signals their commitment to building around him, though his long-term future in Milwaukee remains uncertain.

The details

Antetokounmpo has been out since January 23 with a calf strain, and the Bucks have not specified a timetable for his return. The team has struggled without him, going 5-14 in games he has missed. Rivers said Antetokounmpo is "working out" and "looks good," but the team wants to make sure he is fully healthy before returning to play.

  • Antetokounmpo suffered the calf strain on January 23.
  • The NBA trade deadline passed on February 6 with Antetokounmpo remaining in Milwaukee.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks' two-time MVP who is sidelined with a calf strain.

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

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What they’re saying

“He's going to play when he's healthy. We've just got to make sure he's healthy. He's getting close. He's working out. He looks good. I would say hopefully sooner than later.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach

“It definitely addresses the elephant that we had in the room for the past few weeks, month or so. Now it's time to focus, lock in. Rumors, speculation, all that stuff is done.”

— Gary Harris, Guard

“I kept saying it, but no one wanted to hear it. I don't think I ever wavered on what was going to happen. It bothered me because the talk was almost like people were trying to manifest him out of Milwaukee. But I'm glad it's over.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach

What’s next

The Bucks will continue to monitor Antetokounmpo's recovery and bring him back when he is fully healthy, with the goal of making a playoff push in the second half of the season.

The takeaway

Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee remains uncertain, but the Bucks' decision to keep him at the trade deadline signals their commitment to building around the superstar. The team's ability to surround Antetokounmpo with the right pieces and return to title contention will be crucial in convincing him to stay long-term.