The NBA reportedly concluded its investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks' handling of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the NBA won't take any action to reprimand the Bucks over the MVP's late-season shutdown. Antetokounmpo sat out the final 15 games of the 2025-26 season for the Bucks, who missed the playoffs with a 32-50 record.
The NBA opened the probe in April after Antetokounmpo publicly claimed that he was able to play. Milwaukee sidelined him with a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise.
"I'm healthy," Antetokounmpo said before the NBA's investigation. "I hate it when people force me to do things against my nature. I'm a player. I get paid to play."
Why NBA investigated Bucks
When launching the investigation, the NBA said Milwaukee claimed Antetokounmpo declined to participate in a three-on-three scrimmage scheduled as part of his rehab process.
"There is a disagreement as to whether the team requested that Giannis participate in a group workout earlier this week, and the league is continuing to monitor the situation," an NBA spokesperson said.
The 10-time All-Star insisted he wanted to play in comments that fueled speculation about his future with the organization.
"For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it's like a slap in my face," Antetokounmpo said. "So, I don't know where the relationship goes from there."
What's next for Giannis
Mar 28, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up prior to the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images © Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The situation has magnified questions about Antetokounmpo's status with the Bucks.
Charania reported Monday that the Bucks are "fully open for business" on trade offers for the 31-year-old. They're expected to pursue "a young blue-chip talent and/or a surplus of draft picks" for their franchise cornerstone.
Antetokounmpo leads the franchise in all-time points, rebounds, assists, and blocks. He steered the Bucks to a championship in 2022, but they've gone four years without advancing past the postseason's first round.
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