NBA Rumors: Latest on Doc Rivers' Job Status Amid Giannis Trade Buzz, Bucks Struggles

The Milwaukee Bucks might make some minor moves ahead of the NBA trade deadline in February, but drastic changes might not be coming this season.

According to The Athletic's Sam Amick and Eric Nehm, it's unlikely the Bucks will part ways with head coach Doc Rivers this season amid a sluggish start to the season.

"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."

Amick and Nehm also said it's unlikely the Bucks trade any of their three stars—Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton.

"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, Dame, Doc and Khris — I don't see anything changing."

Milwaukee has started the season 2-8 and has lost eight of its last nine games after picking up a win on opening night. The Bucks' struggles aren't due to poor play from Antetokounmpo and Lillard, who have been solid so far this year.

Antetokounmpo is putting up 31.6 points, 12.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game while Lillard is averaging 26 points, 6.6 assists and 4.6 boards per game.

Middleton is out indefinitely while he rehabs from offseason surgery, and he could give the Bucks a boost once he's finally back on the court.

Until then, Rivers will try to dig his team out of a hole and prove the Bucks made the right choice when they hired him halfway through last season.

In Milwaukee's defense, it has had a tough schedule to start the year, facing the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers twice and spending plenty of time on the road. The Bucks have a more manageable schedule coming up, which could give them the chance to pick up a few wins and build some much-needed momentum.