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Last month’s NBA trade deadline passed without any deals being made. Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks entered Tuesday in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, outside the NBA playoff table. The past few seasons in Milwaukee have been marked by disappointing results, leading to the departure of coach Mike Budenholzer and speculation that Antetokounmpo might be looking for a change of scenery.
Antetokounmpo saw limited action during the 2025-26 season, playing in 36 games, putting him on track for a career-low total. He hasn’t taken the court since Milwaukee’s 134-123 win over the Indiana Pacers on March 15.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Despite a hyperextended knee and bone bruise, the Bucks’ slim chances of making the NBA play-in and just 12 games remaining in Milwaukee’s regular season schedule, Antetokounmpo appears ready to play down the stretch. The Athletic first reported that the Bucks had approached him about sitting out, an idea he had no interest in.
However, his stance conflicts with the Bucks’ desire to keep the two-time NBA MVP sidelined for the remainder of the season.
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO STAYING WITH BUCKS AS NBA TRADE DEADLINE PASSES DESPITE SOME INTEREST
The reported dispute prompted a response from the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), the union representing 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 field,” the NBPA statement said.
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-tank policies are only as effective as their enforcement; fans, broadcast partners and the integrity of the game itself will continue to suffer until ownership is controlled. We look forward to working with the NBA on meaningful new proposals that will directly address and deter tanking.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during 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 not yet been medically cleared to return.
