Through the first few weeks of the 2024-25 NBA season, the Milwaukee Bucks are underachieving, to say the least. At 3-8, the Bucks currently own the No. 12 seed in the Eastern Conference. Only the Washington Wizards, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors rank below them in the East standings. Because of their bad play, many believe the Bucks would benefit from making some major moves. The most common solution thrown around is to fire head coach Doc Rivers, who has a 20-27 record as Milwaukee’s head coach in parts of two seasons. However, according to recent reports, it does not seem likely that the Bucks will move on from Rivers.
According to Sam Amick and Eric Nehm of The Athletic (subscription required), the Bucks are unlikely to fire Rivers for multiple reasons. Amick and Nehm cited Rivers’ contract and the pressure GM Jon Horst is facing due to the team’s lackluster campaigns after their championship win in 2021.
“For those asking about whether Rivers could be on the hot seat, let’s not forget the Bucks paid him approximately $40 million on a three-and-a-half-year deal less than a year ago,” Amick and Nehmn wrote. “What’s more, (Jon) Horst is facing pressure because of how these past few seasons have gone, and league sources are skeptical he’d be given the leeway to make another coaching change this soon.”
Milwaukee Bucks Unlikely to Fire Head Coach Doc Rivers
The Bucks Are Also Not Expected to Make Blockbuster Trades
Amick and Nehm also wrote about the probability of the Bucks making a major trade to turn things around this season. While they mentioned the Bucks could make at least one trade before February’s deadline, Amick and Nehm said they are not likely to trade any of their stars. This includes Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been a popular trade candidate in recent months.
“I could certainly see the Bucks doing some kind of deal, if not more than one, before the Feb. 6 deadline,” Amick and Nehm wrote. “But in terms of the big stuff that comes with their team’s calculus — Giannis, [Damian Lillard], Doc and Khris [Middleton] — I don’t see anything changing.”
This makes sense for the Bucks. While they are struggling, it is important to remember that Khris Middleton has yet to play a game this season. Furthermore, Damian Lillard has already missed one game due to a concussion and could miss more time before he clears the protocol. On paper, the Bucks still possess a talented roster. It makes sense for the team to wait to get fully healthy before making any big trades.
A more interesting name to keep an eye on, however, is starting center Brook Lopez. The 36-year-old is in the final year of his two-year, $48 million contract. Furthermore, while nothing came to fruition, there were reports indicating that Milwaukee was open to trading Lopez this past offseason. Through 11 games this season, Lopez is not playing his best basketball. He is averaging 9.4 points on 38.8% shooting, 4.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game. While the Bucks are unlikely to trade anyone from their “Big Three,” Lopez’s status could be a different story.
The Last Word
Based on the latest reports, it is fair to assume the Bucks will finish the season with Rivers as the head coach. In addition to what Amick and Nehm wrote, it is important to remember that the season is still young. There is plenty of time for Milwaukee to turn things around.
