The NBA has decided against taking any disciplinary action following its investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to sideline Giannis Antetokounmpo for the final month of the season, according to an ESPN report released Tuesday.
Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, sustained a left knee hyperextension on March 15 during a matchup with the Indiana Pacers. He missed the last 15 games of the regular season, and the Bucks ultimately failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
However, conflicting narratives emerged between the franchise and its star player regarding his health and willingness to return once Milwaukee was eliminated from playoff contention in late March.
In early April, Antetokounmpo told reporters he was healthy enough to play but was being held out by team management.
“I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” he said on April 3. “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available. For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it’s like a slap in my face. So I don’t know where the relationship goes from there.”
According to the report, the Bucks told investigators they believed Antetokounmpo was not genuinely eager to return, citing his refusal to participate in 3-on-3 scrimmage drills during practice as evidence that his recovery progress was insufficient.
Antetokounmpo denied this claim during his exit interview with the media.
“From my understanding, coming back to play, which I don’t think I ever had any return-to-play protocol, but to my understanding was I had to play 3-on-3 to be able to be available to play,” he said. “I did that multiple times. I’ve never in my life denied participation of practice.”
ESPN also reported Monday that the Bucks are once again exploring a pre-draft trade involving the 31-year-old forward. Milwaukee had considered a similar move before the trade deadline but decided to keep their star until at least the summer.
Antetokounmpo has one year remaining on his current contract, followed by a player option for the 2027–28 season.
The 10-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA selection has averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals over 13 seasons and 895 games (830 starts) with the Bucks. He led the franchise to its first NBA championship in 50 years in 2021.
