The NBA has opened an investigation into the Milwaukee Bucks' management of the player participation policy, focusing on conflicting reports about Giannis Antetokounmpo's health status. This follows the NBPA's earlier accusation of tanking (see prior coverage), with Antetokounmpo expressing strong desire to play despite the team's decision to hold him out.
First reported by The Athletic, the league's probe examines the Bucks' decisions as the team, eliminated from playoffs, eyes a high draft pick. No competitive advantage exists to risking Antetokounmpo in the season's final weeks, aligning with post-trade deadline moves: waiving Damian Lillard (paying $113 million) and signing Myles Turner to a four-year, $100 million-plus deal. Antetokounmpo, eligible for a four-year, $275 million extension on Oct. 1, voiced frustration after talks with coach Doc Rivers and GM Jon Horst. 'I want to play,' he said. 'For somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it's like a slap in my face.' He wants to play with his brother on the roster and dismissed contrary rumors. The NBPA had stated over a week ago that he was ready to return, but the Bucks held him out, prompting their tanking claims. Antetokounmpo called for dialogue, comparing it to 'couples therapy.'