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Giannis Antetokounmpo has made a clear statement to the Bucks

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Apr 6, 2026 5:19 PM ET

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks remain at odds over whether he should be shut down for the season, and Antetokounmpo is attempting to lay down the law behind the scenes.

ESPN’s Shams Charania appeared on “NBA Today” Monday and revealed that Antetokounmpo is still trying to ramp up in order to play before the end of the season. The star forward’s goal is to be able to play at least one game with brothers Alex and Thanasis. He mentioned Friday’s home finale against the Brooklyn Nets as a game Antetokounmpo could target to play in.

“Giannis is trying to ramp up this week, from my understanding,” Charania said. “He wants to play with his brothers before the regular season ends. He’s making very clear behind the scenes that’s his goal.”

Shams:

"Giannis is trying to ramp up this week from my understanding…he wants to play with his brothers before the regular season ends, he's making very clear behind the scenes that's his goal" pic.twitter.com/9rBY5ILlh9
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) April 6, 2026

Friday’s game might be an awkward choice, since it’s against the tanking Nets. Of course, the Bucks will not be able to catch Brooklyn in the loss column, but they will want to lock in as high a lottery position as possible. That is at the core of Antetokounmpo’s dispute with the Bucks, even if no one can admit it publicly. It isn’t clear whether a late-season return would help or hurt the Bucks in terms of the outcome of the NBA’s investigation into the team, either.

Giannis has made it clear publicly that he wants to play with his brothers at least once. The question at this point seems to be if the Bucks will allow it to happen.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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