“He’s not cleared to play yet in a game,” Horst told Eric Nehm of The Athletic on Tuesday. “And we’re going to continue to evaluate it. I don’t know what the outcome in that world will be, but the only lens has been to make our best professional judgment for him and for us. And it has nothing to do with draft picks. It has nothing to do with tanking. It has everything to do with the health of the player.”
Since March 15, Giannis has been out with left knee hyperextension and a bone bruise. The earlier reports indicated just a week on the sidelines, but that’s clearly not the case. The Bucks reportedly requested Antetokounmpo to shut himself down for the rest of the season. But the 31-year-old denied it and even asked the NBA for an investigation.
Bucks GM Jon Horst on Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee):
“He’s not cleared to play yet in a game, and we’re going to continue to evaluate it… It has nothing to do with draft picks. It has nothing to do with tanking. It has everything to do with the health of the player.”
(via…
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) April 8, 2026
The disagreement from Giannis Antetokounmpo was loud. “I’ve never seen a case of a player saying, my caliber of player, that’s like — I’m saying it publicly — I want to f—ing play. You know what I’m saying? I don’t think I’ve seen this.” Antetokounmpo added, “So, if there needs to be an investigation, great. There should be. I don’t know. There should be. Until we figure something out. 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.”
It’s clear that Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to play, but the Milwaukee franchise remains firm, citing caution and protocol. So, the NBA had to step in and even began an investigation into any violation of the Player Participation Policy. Interestingly, the reports revealed contradicting stands about Giannis’ return.
ESPN’s senior insider Shams Charania reported, “The Bucks have told NBA investigators that Giannis Antetokounmpo declined the opportunity to play 3-on-3 scrimmages as part of return protocol from a mid-March knee injury, per ESPN sources. Antetokounmpo told the league he is healthy enough to resume action.”
The tension is high in Milwaukee, as this is not just a disagreement, but a question of distrust that can’t be fixed easily, especially after 13 years of relationship. While the teams around the team remain on high alert about a potential trade, the Greek Freak once again poured cold water on those suggestions.
Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to stay
Before the trade deadline, the Miami Heat reportedly constructed a package around Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, additional players, and multiple draft picks, which Milwaukee strongly considered accepting. But then they decided not to and wait for the off-season. Now, Antetokounmpo still has the 2026-27 season guaranteed, along with a player option in 2027. He also becomes eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension starting October 1, or six months after any trade. That puts the Bucks at a crossroads. They can extend him and repair the relationship. Or they can move him and reset the franchise.
He even doubled down on the winning mindset and wants to hold the Larry O’Brien trophy again. “As long as it’s great organized basketball and a team that’s willing to play selfless basketball, and chase some goal that’s bigger than themselves, I’ll be here.”
This season, the 31-year-old has played in just 36 games and still averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 62.4% from the field. But multiple injuries earlier in the season had already limited the Bucks’ chances for a successful postseason run. But he has no problem staying and has urged the team to find the win now mindset.
