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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo remained upset with the organization for keeping him on the sidelines as he feels he could have played in the final days of the season.
Antetokounmpo has had a rollercoaster ride with the Bucks over the past two seasons due to trade rumors and how the team has handled him with injury issues. The Bucks have said he still had not been cleared to play after he suffered a left knee hyperextension and bone bruising when he landed awkwardly on a dunk on March 15.
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Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo walks off the court after an NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets in Milwaukee on April 10, 2026. (Jeffrey Phelps/AP)
He hasn’t played since then, and Milwaukee went 4-11 with him on the bench, including the season-ending loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.
“To be cleared to play, I don’t understand that. I’ve never in my life refused to participate in practice,” Antetokounmpo said. “Whoever came up with that is disrespectful to what I’ve done for this team and the way I carry myself.
“I did what I had to do. I wasn’t able to get on the field now. Who’s to say? It’s coming from above. I thought I was in control. OK, if I’m healthy, I’m going to play. This just shows me that not only me, players in general, have no control. No, I didn’t feel like I was in control.”
Antetokounmpo was seen warming up with no signs of injury.
“It was definitely draining for me,” Antetokounmpo said. “If it was draining for me, it was certainly draining for me and the organization.”
Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts from the sideline during the first half of an NBA game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia on April 12, 2026. (Chris Szagola/AP)
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The Bucks could look to trade Antetokounmpo in the offseason, or he could possibly sign a four-year, $275 million extension in October.
Still, Antetokounmpo said he hasn’t been formally offered an extension and that it was still too far away for him to think about.
“It’s too far away. It’s something I have to sit down with my family and see what’s best for me, what’s best for my family,” Antetokounmpo said. “Money doesn’t matter to me. Zero. Absolutely zero. What matters to me is winning.”
Antetokounmpo was the centerpiece of the team’s 2021 championship run and has won the NBA MVP award twice. Should he stay with the Bucks through the 2026-27 season and beyond, the team could look drastically different.
Doc Rivers is not expected back with the Bucks next season. Several players have the opportunity to practice until next year, while others are eligible for an extension.
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers embraces Giannis Antetokounmpo before an NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets in Milwaukee on April 10, 2026. (Jeffrey Phelps/AP)
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Milwaukee will have several decisions to make this summer.
