The NBA will not penalize the Milwaukee Bucks for holding Giannis Antetokounmpo out of action during the closing weeks of the 2025-26 season, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
League officials opened an inquiry in early April after Antetokounmpo and the organization issued conflicting statements about his status. The Bucks cited a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise, contending the two-time MVP was not ready to return and was reluctant to play. Antetokounmpo countered that he felt healthy and that the club refused to clear him.
By declining to take further action, the NBA indicated there was insufficient evidence to contradict the Bucks’ assessment. Antetokounmpo did not appear in a game after March 15 and finished the season with 36 appearances, limited by knee, groin, ankle, and calf ailments. His previous career low for regular-season games before 2025-26 was 61.
The ruling surfaces amid heightened tension between the sides. Charania reported Monday that Milwaukee is entertaining trade offers for Antetokounmpo and could move him before next month’s draft.
Source: Hoops Rumors
