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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo remained angry at the organization for keeping him out when he felt like he could have played in the final days of the season.
Antetokounmpo has had a roller coaster 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 said he was still not cleared to play after suffering a hyperextended left knee and a bone bruise when he landed awkwardly on a dunk on March 15.
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Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo leaves the court after an NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets in Milwaukee on April 10, 2026. (Jeffrey Phelps/AP)
He hasn’t played since and Milwaukee went 4-11 with him on the bench, including the season-ending loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.
“Being allowed to play, I don’t understand. I’ve never in my life refused to participate in a practice,” Antetokounmpo said. “Whoever made this up is disrespectful to what I have done for this team and the way I conduct myself.
“I did what I was supposed to do. I couldn’t get on the field now. Who has that say? It’s coming from above. I thought I was in control. OK, if I’m healthy, I’m going to play. It just shows me that not only do I, 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 exhausting for me, for sure,” Antetokounmpo said. “If it was exhausting for me, it was definitely exhausting for me and the organization.”
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts from the sidelines 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 consider trading Antetokounmpo this 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 it’s still too far away for him to consider it.
“It’s too far. 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 means nothing to me. Zero. Absolutely zero. What matters to me is winning.”
Antetokounmpo was the centerpiece of the team’s 2021 championship and won the NBA MVP award twice. If he stays with the Bucks for the 2026-27 season and beyond, the team could be drastically different.
Doc Rivers is not expected to return to the Bucks next season. Several players have options to exercise for next year, while others are eligible for an extension.
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers hugs 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 many decisions to make this summer.
