Bucks Cost Giannis a Major Nike Bonus by Sitting Him

Add this to the growing list of reasons Giannis Antetokounmpo should be furious with the Milwaukee Bucks.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Bucks' decision to shut Giannis down for the remainder of the season cost him a significant bonus in his Nike endorsement contract. The bonus would have been triggered if he played at least 41 games this season. Giannis appeared in just 36 games — a career low — after hyperextending his left knee against Indiana on March 15th.

Here's what makes this sting: Giannis wanted to play. He's been pushing to get back on the court. But with Milwaukee eliminated from playoff contention at 31-47, the front office made the call to sit their franchise player. They're protecting their asset for the future — but they cost him real money in the process. Giannis signed a Nike deal reportedly worth up to million per year. Whatever that bonus figure was, it's gone. And in the summer where Giannis's future in Milwaukee is the biggest question in the NBA, this is one more reason for him to look elsewhere.