Antetokounmpo has been sidelined since March 15 due to a left knee hyperextension and a bone bruise. He has played only 36 games this season because of knee, groin, ankle, and calf injuries. Before 2025/26, the least number of games he played in a season was 61.
According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Antetokounmpo spoke with local reporters on Friday and indicated a growing conflict between him and the team.
“You know who you are dealing with,” Antetokounmpo said. “So 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.”
Nehm reported that after Antetokounmpo’s injury, the Milwaukee Bucks suggested he sit out the rest of the season to focus on his long-term health, but the 31-year-old disagreed. He stated that no one from the team has followed up with him since.
He told media outlets that he has been healthy for weeks and completed another full pregame workout on Friday, ending with a windmill dunk, as noted by Nehm.
“I’m available to play, but I’m not in the game,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’m available to play today. Right now. I’m available. Do I look like I’m not available? … I don’t see myself in the first 12. I don’t see myself in the starting lineup.
“I don’t know what game is being played right here, I just don’t wanna be a part of it.”
Antetokounmpo downplayed the seriousness of his knee issue after the game on March 15. Initially, he was questionable for the next game due to an ankle problem, not a knee issue. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers confirmed that the scans on Antetokounmpo’s knee showed no damage when he was a late scratch before the game on March 17 against Cleveland.
“The good news was it was a really good image, so there was no damage,” Rivers said at the time. “Nothing. It was really just good news. But I don’t know the next part (regarding a timeline).”
The NBPA issued a statement on March 24, supporting Antetokounmpo while also questioning the NBA’s commitment to enforcing its player participation policy.
“I’ve never seen a case of a player saying, my caliber of player, that’s like — I’m saying it publicly — I want to f–-ing play. You know what I’m saying?” Antetokounmpo said Friday, per Nehm. “I don’t think I’ve seen this. So, if there needs to be an investigation, great. There should be. I don’t know. There should be. Until we figure something out.”
Nehm noted that Antetokounmpo later tried to clarify his statements, saying he and the Bucks should find a way to resolve their disagreement. He acknowledged understanding the team’s perspective about prioritizing draft positioning but disagreed.
“What are you telling me? The next time I’m going to play basketball is October? Why? I don’t want to do that. I don’t,” Antetokounmpo said. “I want to play basketball. I was born to play basketball.
“I’ve been here 13 years and I understand the team gets eliminated from the playoffs, be smart. Taking care of your body, being in and out, just to be careful, to prepare for the next season, prepare for the next generation and the young players to get some minutes, go out there — I get that. But that wasn’t the time that this took place. That’s what bothers me. It’s almost like you waved the white flag and I don’t do that. I am sorry. I don’t. And I never, never will.”
Reports suggest the Bucks considered trade offers for Antetokounmpo before the February deadline but didn’t pursue any deals. Bucks co-owner Wes Edens mentioned to ESPN weeks ago that the nine-time All-NBA player would either be extended or traded this offseason.