Giannis Says Available as Bucks Face NBA Probe
Merlin sees the Bucks gave the NBA more detail about Giannis Antetokounmpo, saying he "declined the opportunity" to join three-on-three scrimmages that were part of his return plan. The league is formally probing whether Milwaukee violated the player participation policy. Giannis, out since March 15 with a knee issue, has told reporters "I'm available to play" and the NBPA says the team is resting him against his wishes. Reports also say he "firmly rebuffed" an earlier proposal to shut him down for the season. Merlin smells tension between health, image, and roster math. With Milwaukee out of the playoff hunt and a 2026 pick that could convey, every idle game affects draft leverage and optics. A league finding would reshape Giannis’ timeline and the front office playbook, so expect quiet postures and careful messaging before any dramatic move.
