NBPA calls out tanking as Bucks weigh Giannis Antetokounmpo shutdown

Last month's NBA waste and acquisition deadline came and went pinch nary woody reached for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks entered Tuesday successful 11th spot successful nan Eastern Conference, extracurricular nan NBA playoff picture. The past fewer seasons successful Milwaukee person been marked by disappointing results, starring to coach Mike Budenholzer's exit and speculation that Antetokounmpo could activity a alteration of scenery.

Antetokounmpo has seen constricted action successful nan 2025-26 season, appearing successful 36 games — putting him connected way for a career-low total. He hasn’t taken nan tribunal since Milwaukee’s 134-123 triumph complete nan Indiana Pacers connected March 15. 

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Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of nan Milwaukee Bucks reacts against nan Atlanta Hawks during nan 4th fourth astatine State Farm Arena connected Jan. 19, 2026 successful Atlanta, Georgia.    (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Despite a knee hyperextension and bony bruise, nan Bucks’ slim likelihood of qualifying for nan NBA play-in and conscionable 12 games near successful Milwaukee’s regular-season schedule, Antetokounmpo appears consenting to play down nan stretch. The Athletic first reported nan Bucks approached him astir sitting out, an thought he was not willing in.

However, his stance conflicts pinch nan Bucks’ reported push to support nan two-time NBA MVP sidelined for nan remainder of nan season. 

GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO STICKS WITH BUCKS AS NBA TRADE DEADLINE PASSES DESPITE SOME INTEREST

The reported conflict prompted a consequence from nan National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), nan national representing NBA players.

"The Player Participation Policy was designed by nan convention to clasp teams accountable and guarantee that erstwhile an All-Star for illustration Giannis Antetokounmpo is patient and fresh to play, he is connected nan court," nan connection from nan NBPA read.

A hoops is placed connected nan tribunal adjacent to an NBA logo during a break successful nan first half of a 2023 NBA Summer League crippled betwixt nan Portland Trail Blazers and nan Houston Rockets astatine nan Thomas & Mack Center connected July 07, 2023 successful Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

"Unfortunately, anti-tanking policies are only arsenic effective arsenic their enforcement; fans, broadcast partners, and nan integrity of nan crippled itself will proceed to suffer arsenic agelong arsenic ownership goes unchecked. We look guardant to collaborating pinch nan NBA connected meaningful caller proposals that will straight reside and discourage tanking."

Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of nan Milwaukee Bucks successful action against nan Oklahoma City Thunder during nan 3rd 4th astatine Fiserv Forum connected Jan. 21, 2026 successful Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

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Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.6 points and 9.8 rebounds this play but has not yet been medically cleared to return.

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