The NBA trade deadline passed last month without a deal for Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time league MVP.[1]
The Bucks have endured disappointing results in recent seasons, including first-round playoff exits in 2022 and 2023 that led to the firing of coach Mike Budenholzer on May 3, 2023.[2]
According to a report by The Athletic, the Bucks have approached Antetokounmpo about sitting out the rest of the 2025-26 regular season amid a knee hyperextension and bone bruise, despite the player's interest in returning.
The report indicated Antetokounmpo, who has appeared in a limited number of games this season, has not played since mid-March.
The development prompted a statement from the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), which referenced the league's Player Participation Policy agreed upon in July 2023 to limit load management and promote star player availability.[3]
"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.
The union added: "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 goes unchecked. We look forward to collaborating with the NBA on meaningful new proposals that will directly address and discourage tanking."
Antetokounmpo, a 30-year-old Greece native drafted 15th overall by Milwaukee in 2013, led the Bucks to the 2021 NBA championship.[1]
Sources
- NBA. "Giannis Antetokounmpo." Accessed October 2024. https://www.nba.com/player/203997/giannis-antetokounmpo
- NBA. "Bucks fire Mike Budenholzer." May 3, 2023. https://www.nba.com/news/bucks-fire-mike-budenholzer
- NBA. "NBA, NBPA agree to new Player Participation Policy." July 18, 2023. https://www.nba.com/news/nba-nbpa-agree-player-participation-policy
