MILWAUKEE, WI. — Giannis Antetokounmpo is staying put. The Milwaukee Bucks have reached an agreement with his brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, in a move that signals more than roster construction. NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN broke the news, reporting that Thanasis will return on a one-year deal.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Set To Stay After Thanasis News
The timing is no accident. For months, speculation surrounded Giannis’ future. “I’m back,” Thanasis wrote on X, echoing what many in Milwaukee had hoped his brother would soon say as well.
Playoff Pain, Front Office Shuffle
The Bucks’ playoff exits have piled up. Since lifting the 2021 championship trophy, the team has won only one playoff series. They fell to the Celtics in 2022, the Heat in 2023, and the Pacers in back-to-back first-round exits.
The motive behind the Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo double news has become shorthand for Milwaukee’s offseason strategy. General manager Jon Horst cleared space by waiving and stretching Damian Lillard. He reshaped the roster with Myles Turner, Gary Harris, Amir Coffey, and re-signed key players like Bobby Portis and Gary Trent Jr. The goal was clear: build enough to keep the Greek Freak happy.
The Resume Speaks
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP and a Finals MVP. He has nine All-Star selections and a Defensive Player of the Year award. His averages — 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists — only tell part of the story.
Last season, he finished third in MVP voting with 30.4 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. He shot 60.1 percent from the floor and carried Milwaukee back to the playoffs.
The Brother Factor
Thanasis Antetokounmpo is not here to change box scores. His career averages are modest, but his presence matters. The Bucks have long understood the symbolism: the Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo pairing is as much about family as it is about basketball.
Marc Stein noted earlier this summer that Milwaukee had saved its final roster spot for Thanasis. That prediction didn’t ring true because they already signed Coffey to their final spot. Someone will have to be cut from their roster before opening day to make room for Thanasis.
Looking Ahead
Giannis reportedly weighed a trade request earlier this offseason. He questioned whether Milwaukee had enough to chase another title. With Thanasis secured, that question grows quieter — at least for now.
The Bucks sent their message. Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo are the anchor points. The brothers are together again, and Milwaukee’s championship window remains cracked open.
© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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