Giannis Antetokounmpo debuts Freak 8 ahead of 2026 worldwide release 1 Mar 2, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) watches the end of the second quarter from the bench against the Boston Celtics at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo rejects Bucks shutting him down for the rest of the season

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Mar 19, 2026 2:39 AM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly weighing a key decision on how to handle star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo for the rest of the season. With just a few games left in the regular season, Milwaukee has continued to slip further behind the Charlotte Hornets in the race for the final play-in spot.

With their lottery odds rising, the Bucks have reportedly discussed the possibility of shutting Giannis Antetokounmpo down for the rest of the season, though the 10-time All-Star has no interest in that option, according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic.

“The Bucks, per league sources, have made it clear to their franchise centerpiece that it would be in their shared interest for him to sit out with the team currently 6 1/2 games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the final Play-In Tournament spot. While injuries have forced Antetokounmpo to miss 32 games already this season, league sources tell The Athletic the 10-time All-Star forward has informed the team he has no desire to cut his season short,” Nehm wrote in his article.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s weird season with the Bucks

Antetokounmpo continues to deal with injury concerns, missing the Bucks’ latest game against the Cleveland Cavaliers after exiting early in the team’s previous win over the Indiana Pacers.

During a frustrating season for Milwaukee, trade speculation around Antetokounmpo intensified leading up to the deadline. The Bucks chose to keep their star, setting up what could be a compelling offseason.

Doc Rivers addresses Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury scare in Bucks win 1 Mar 15, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) holds his knee after dunking a basket against the Indiana Pacers in the third quarter and had to leave the game at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

The Greek Freak has appeared in 36 games this season, playing just over 28 minutes per night. He is putting up 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists while shooting 62.4 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from beyond the arc, and 65 percent from the free-throw line.

The Bucks have 14 games left in the regular season, with one of the most highly anticipated drafts in recent memory approaching.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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