The National Basketball Association has wrapped up its inquiry into Milwaukee’s handling of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s season-ending absence and determined no penalties are warranted, ESPN reported Tuesday.
The two-time Most Valuable Player suffered a hyperextended left knee during Milwaukee’s March 15 matchup against Indiana and remained sidelined for the team’s remaining 15 contests. The Bucks subsequently failed to reach the playoffs for the first time in eight years.
Conflicting narratives emerged between the organization and its superstar regarding his physical condition and readiness to compete once Milwaukee’s postseason hopes were dashed in late March.
During an early April media session, Antetokounmpo stated he was physically ready but being prevented from playing by team officials.
“I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” Antetokounmpo declared 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 ESPN report, Milwaukee officials told league investigators they questioned whether Antetokounmpo genuinely wanted to return, pointing to his alleged unwillingness to engage in 3-on-3 practice sessions designed to demonstrate his recovery.
The 31-year-old disputed this characterization during his season-ending media availability.
“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,” Antetokounmpo explained. “I did that multiple times. I’ve never in my life denied participation of practice.”
ESPN also revealed Monday that Milwaukee is again weighing potential pre-draft trades involving Antetokounmpo. The franchise previously considered similar moves before February’s trade deadline but opted to retain their cornerstone player through the summer.
Antetokounmpo remains under contract for one more season before a player option becomes available for the 2027-28 campaign.
The decorated forward has compiled averages of 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals across 13 seasons and 895 appearances (830 as a starter) with Milwaukee. He guided the franchise to its first championship in five decades during the 2021 season, earning recognition as a 10-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA selection.
