The NBA has officially closed its investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to sideline Giannis Antetokounmpo for the final month of the regular season, with league officials deciding not to pursue disciplinary action. According to an ESPN report on Tuesday, the league concluded its probe after examining the circumstances that led to the two-time MVP missing the final 15 games of the campaign.
The case began on March 15, when Antetokounmpo hyperextended his left knee during a matchup against the Indiana Pacers. While the injury initially seemed routine, it became the catalyst for a disastrous end to the season as the Bucks failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Giannis and Bucks Give Conflicting Versions Over Injury Return Timeline
However, the team and its star player had differing stories on his health and desire to return by the time the team had been eliminated from contention in late March.
Antetokounmpo told reporters in early April that he was healthy but being held out by the team.
“I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” Antetokounmpo said 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.”
Per the report, the Bucks told investigators that they didn’t believe Antetokounmpo actually wanted to return, citing his refusal to participate in 3-on-3 scrimmage work at practice to show his recovery progress.
Antetokounmpo also denied this claim in his exit interview with media members.
“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 said. “I did that multiple times. I’ve never in my life denied participation of practice.”
ESPN reported Monday that the Bucks are once again exploring a pre-draft trade for Antetokounmpo, 31. Milwaukee also explored this option before the trade deadline before electing to hold onto its star player until at least the summer window.
Antetokounmpo has one year left on his deal before a player option for the 2027-28 season.
The 10-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA player has averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals over 13 seasons and 895 games (830 starts) with the Bucks, leading them to the franchise’s first NBA title in 50 years in 2021.
(With inputs from Reuters)
