Giannis Wants 'to F--king Play,' Calls Out Bucks as NBA Reportedly Investigating Amid Star's Injury

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks' relationship is already on thin ice, and the team might have made things worse heading into the offseason.

The Bucks asked Antetokounmpo to sit out despite him feeling healthy enough to play, which he called "a slap in the face."

"I've never seen a case of a player saying, my caliber of player, that's like — I'm saying it publicly — I want to f–-ing play. You know what I'm saying?" Antetokounmpo said Friday, per The Athletic's Eric Nehm. "I don't think I've seen this. So, if there needs to be an investigation, great. There should be. I don't know. There should be. Until we figure something out."

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the NBA is investigating the Bucks "for their handling of the player participating policy and potential inconsistent statements" regarding Antetokounmpo's health.

Antetokounmpo has not played since March 15 with what the Bucks have described as a bone bruise. Despite missing the last 10 games, Antetokounmpo said he's been ready to play for weeks.

"I'm available to play, but I'm not in the game," Antetokounmpo said. "I'm available to play today. Right now. I'm available. Do I look like I'm not available? … I don't see myself in the first 12. I don't see myself in the starting lineup.

"I don't know what game is being played right here, I just don't wanna be a part of it."

The Bucks reportedly approached Antetokounmpo in mid-March about sitting out for the remainder of the season, but the two-time MVP said he was not interested in doing so.

Milwaukee is out of the playoff race and has been for a while, sitting in 11th place at 30-46. Despite having very little reason to play, Antetokounmpo said it's "against my nature" to miss games when he doesn't need to.

"You know who you are dealing with," Antetokounmpo said. "So for somebody to come and tell me to not play or not to compete, it's like a slap in my face. So, I don't know where the relationship goes from there."

All signs already pointed to this offseason being a third round of the drama between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, and his comments Friday will likely only strain the relationship further.

Whether the two will finally go their separate ways remains to be seen.