The Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo are at odds (subscription required) over whether he should play again this season (if he's able to). Eric Nehm of The Athletic was the first to report that on Wednesday, and as admirable as it is that the superstar wants to take the court again, it's too risky a decision on a few different levels.
On The Zach Lowe Show podcast, the host detailed why it's not just about the Bucks wanting to boost their odds at a high lottery pick:
"That's not even just a lottery play. We know that the Bucks get the second-best of their own pick and the Pelicans' pick, the best of which will go to the Hawks. There's also, 'Maybe we just need you healthy both as a trade piece in the summer, or as a basketball player on our team next year. You haven't been healthy for a month straight for almost the entire season... It's in the best interest of our team on every possible level to shut you down.'"
Antetokounmpo's health is what matters most at the end of the day. He's out right now with a knee injury that could keep him sidelined through April 12, when Milwaukee's season is all but guaranteed to come to a close. He's also dealt with calf, groin, and ankle injuries — limiting him to just 36 games this season.
Giannis' health is too important to Bucks to risk playing again
Regardless of what happens with Antetokounmpo over the offseason, Milwaukee doesn't want him to be dealing with a major injury. Neither should he. Injuries are, unfortunately, part of the game, but letting Giannis take the floor again when the Bucks are all but guaranteed not to make the play-in tournament could turn disastrous.
As Lowe said, Milwaukee needs him healthy next season, whether he stays or goes. An injury could hurt his trade value, but if he decides to extend with the Bucks, the pressure to win another title will reach a new level. They'd want Antetokounmpo in the best shape possible, not coming off an offseason of rehab that could extend into the start of next season (and possibly beyond).
Understandably, Antetokounmpo pushed back on the idea of not playing again this season. Did anyone really expect anything different? Hopefully, though, he's since realized (or will come to the realization) that there's far too much on the line, starting with the rest of his NBA career.
If he doesn't, the Bucks can't cave into his demands to step on the court again if he's able to do so before the end of the regular season. They don't want to go against their star player, especially not before a summer where they may push to convince him to stay, but it's about the bigger picture.