Bucks Won't Shut Down Antetokounmpo for Season

Coach Rivers says team will play star when he's healthy, despite trade deadline speculation

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers reiterated that the team has no plans to shut down two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo for the rest of the season, despite his ongoing recovery from a calf strain. Rivers said Antetokounmpo will play when he's healthy, though his return date remains uncertain.

Why it matters

Antetokounmpo's future in Milwaukee has been a major source of speculation, with the Bucks struggling this season and the star player eligible for a lucrative contract extension. The team's decision to keep Antetokounmpo and play him when ready signals their commitment to building around the superstar.

The details

Antetokounmpo hasn't played since straining his right calf on January 23. While the Bucks haven't specified a timetable, Rivers said Antetokounmpo is 'getting close' and 'looks good' in workouts. The Bucks entered Friday 15-15 with Antetokounmpo and 5-14 without him, raising questions about whether resting him could help their draft position.

  • Antetokounmpo strained his right calf on January 23.
  • The NBA trade deadline passed on February 6 with Antetokounmpo remaining in Milwaukee.

The players

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The two-time NBA MVP for the Milwaukee Bucks, who is currently recovering from a calf strain.

Gary Harris

A guard for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Jon Horst

The general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks, who has made moves to try to keep Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee.

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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, Milwaukee Bucks (wbal.com)

“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, Milwaukee Bucks (wbal.com)

“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, Milwaukee Bucks (wbal.com)

What’s next

Antetokounmpo becomes eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million contract extension with the Bucks in October. His future with the team beyond this season remains uncertain.

The takeaway

The Bucks' decision to keep Antetokounmpo and play him when healthy, despite their struggles this season, signals their commitment to building around the superstar. However, his long-term future in Milwaukee is still an open question that will loom over the franchise in the months ahead.