“Bucks accuse the Greek federation of an aggressive tone” – Giannis’ playing for Greece on 2025 EuroBasket in jeopardy amid tensions with Bucks originally appeared on Basketball Network.
It’s well known that national federations must pay massive insurance fees to have NBA players participate in summer competitions. These costs can skyrocket for stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, or Luka Doncic.
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With EuroBasket just around the corner, considered by many the most competitive tournament in its history, featuring Giannis, Luka, and Jokic in their primes, national teams across Europe are playing exhibition matches.
The Bucks and Greek Basketball Federation are in a major dispute
However, Greece has yet to see Antetokounmpo in its jersey this summer, with insurance payments at the center of the issue.
The situation has recently escalated. According to Greek insider Nikos Papadogiannis, a journalist from Gazzetta.gr, relations between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Greek Basketball Federation are increasingly tense.
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“There may be a need for some form of apology or player intervention if things go wrong,” Papadogiannis said. “Otherwise, we could have a problem.” Many details remain confidential, but it’s clear Milwaukee is frustrated with the Greek federation, accusing them of arrogance and amateurism. The Bucks cite missed insurance deadlines and a lack of transparency regarding national team activities, and they claim the federation has taken an aggressive tone in correspondence. They act like they don’t realize we hold all the cards, sources say.”
This could jeopardize Giannis’ participation this summer
If true, this could jeopardize Giannis’ participation entirely this summer. So far, he has yet to appear for Greece, and the federation’s behavior could push the Bucks to stop him from playing. It’s well known that nothing is certain yet regarding Giannis’ future with the Bucks, and if the federation continues to behave this way, Milwaukee would stay firm in its stance, refusing to risk Giannis’ health.
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Although the Greek Freak claims he wants to stay with Milwaukee for the remainder of his career, last year’s Luka Doncic–Dallas Mavericks situation keeps all options open. Antetokounmpo is entering his 30s and recently admitted he still feels knee pain from the 2021 Finals. Meanwhile, the Bucks are burdened by Damian Lillard’s massive contract, which they will continue paying even though he’s no longer on the team, while also paying contracts for three coaches hired and fired in rapid succession.
With no draft picks under their control until 2031, the Bucks might look to the trade market to rebuild the organization from scratch, while Giannis remains a viable trade asset.
Meanwhile, Giannis, after years, is without All-Star teammates. He recognizes the Bucks aren’t in the strongest position, so he keeps his options open. He has openly shared how other superstars tried to recruit him all the way back in 2021, as he certainly has the option of teaming up with another superstar in the back of his mind.
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“Everybody was texting me: ‘Leave the team,'” Antetokounmpo told GQ Magazine. “It’s human. I will say I want to play with the best players; I wish K.D. was on my team, not against me. I wish LeBron was on my team, not against me. Steph, on my team.”
Giannis will do everything in his power to deliver a medal for Greece after 16 years
Underlying tensions could influence Giannis’ summer plans. The Greek federation’s approach risks frustrating both him and the Bucks, potentially keeping him off the court this summer due to injury concerns. Still, knowing Giannis’ dedication to Greece and Milwaukee, he is likely to do everything he can to deliver a medal for Greece after 16 years and give the Bucks another title shot.
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The situation is undeniably complex and delicate from multiple angles, as one issue directly affects another. When a player of Giannis’ caliber is involved, everything takes on an entirely new dimension.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 16, 2025, where it first appeared.