NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Last month’s NBA deadline came and went without a deal Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks entered Tuesday in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, out of the NBA playoff picture. The past few seasons in Milwaukee have been marked by disappointing results, leading to coach Mike Budenholzer’s exit and speculation that Antetokounmpo could be looking for a change of scenery.
Antetokounmpo has seen limited action in the 2025-26 season, appearing in 36 games — putting him on track for a career-low total. He has not taken the court since Milwaukee’s 134-123 victory over the Indiana Pacers on March 15.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Despite a knee hyperextension and bone bruising, the Bucks’ slim odds of qualifying for the NBA play-in and just 12 games remaining in Milwaukee’s regular season schedule, Antetokounmpo appears willing to play down. The Athletic first reported that the Bucks approached him about sitting out, an idea he was not interested in.
But his stance conflicts with the Bucks’ reported push to sideline the two-time NBA MVP for the rest of the season.
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO PUSHES OUT AS NBA TRADE DEADLINE APPROACHES DESPITE SOME INTEREST
The reported dispute prompted a response from the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), the union that represents NBA players.
“The Player Participation Policy was designed by the league to hold teams accountable and ensure that when an All-Star like Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy and ready to play, he is on the court,” the NBPA said in a statement.
A basketball is placed on the court next to an NBA logo during a break in the first half of a 2023 NBA Summer League game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Houston Rockets at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 7, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“Unfortunately, anti-tanking policies are only as effective as their enforcement; fans, broadcast partners and the integrity of the game itself will continue to suffer as long as ownership remains unchecked. We look forward to working with the NBA on meaningful new proposals that will directly address and discourage tanking.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum on January 21, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.6 points and 9.8 rebounds this season, but has yet to be medically cleared to return.
