Giannis Antetokounmpo Lost Significant Bonus After Bucks Shut Him Down

The 2025-26 season was one of the most challenging of the star's 13-year career with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:06pm

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Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo missed most of the 2025-26 NBA season due to injuries, and a new report indicates that the team's decision to shut him down for the remainder of the year cost him a significant bonus in his Nike endorsement contract.

Why it matters

Antetokounmpo's future with the Bucks has been a major topic of discussion, and this latest development only adds to the growing tension between the player and the organization. The Bucks missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade, raising questions about the team's short-term prospects and the long-term viability of Antetokounmpo's partnership with the franchise.

The details

According to sources, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers told a group of veteran players like Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner that ownership did not want them to sit out due to "illegitimate injuries." However, no such edict was delivered to Antetokounmpo, and the Bucks' decision to shut him down for the season ended up costing the two-time MVP a significant bonus in his Nike endorsement contract.

  • Antetokounmpo was limited to just 36 games in the 2025-26 season, the lowest total of his 13-year career.
  • The Bucks missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade during the 2025-26 season.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A two-time NBA MVP and NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, Antetokounmpo is one of the league's biggest stars but has faced injury issues and questions about his future with the franchise.

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, Rivers reportedly told veteran players that ownership did not want them to sit out due to "illegitimate injuries" but did not deliver the same message to Antetokounmpo.

Kyle Kuzma

A veteran NBA player who was part of the group that Rivers told ownership did not want to sit out due to "illegitimate injuries."

Myles Turner

A veteran NBA player who was part of the group that Rivers told ownership did not want to sit out due to "illegitimate injuries."

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What they’re saying

“According to sources, (head coach Doc) Rivers told a group of veterans, such as (Kyle) Kuzma and (Myles) Turner, that ownership did not want them to sit because of illegitimate injuries. The expectation was made clear that no one would be shut down early.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider

“However, no such edict was delivered from the Bucks to Antetokounmpo. Multiple sources said the Bucks' decision to sit Antetokounmpo cost him a significant bonus in his Nike endorsement contract that would have been triggered if he played at least 41 games.”

— Shams Charania, NBA Insider

What’s next

The Bucks and Antetokounmpo will need to address the growing tension in their relationship and determine the best path forward for both the player and the organization.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the complex dynamics between star players, team management, and endorsement contracts in the NBA. The Bucks' handling of Antetokounmpo's injury and shutdown has raised questions about the team's decision-making and its impact on its franchise player's financial and professional future.