MILWAUKEE, WI. — Thanasis Antetokounmpo has confirmed his return to the Milwaukee Bucks via his X account. His curt two-word caption, “I’m back,” told fans all they needed to know. The fan favorite and brother of Giannis Antetokounmpo returns to Wisconsin after a year away from the league. He has agreed to a one-year, $2.9 million deal with the Bucks. It means that Giannis will stay in Milwaukee after exploring other options this summer. Shams Charania confirmed this.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo Returns To Bucks; Confirms Giannis News
Role Beyond The Box Score
The other Antetokounmpo brother became a fan favorite not for his stat lines but for his infectious bench energy. On the floor, his numbers are modest: 2.4 points, 0.6 assists, and 1.6 rebounds in 7.6 minutes across 196 games. Still, Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s time on the Bucks has always been less about production and more about family. He missed last season while recovering from a torn Achilles’ tendon.
I’m back. pic.twitter.com/2L4VrngACi
— T. Antetokounmpo (@Thanasis_ante43) August 31, 2025
Who Will Get Cut?
Over a month ago, Marc Stein hinted at this move in The Stein Line. “The Bucks… are expected to re-sign Antetokounmpo’s brother Thanasis if their superstar indeed remains in Brewtown,” Stein reported. The Bucks had used their final roster spot signing Amir Coffey to a minimum contract, leaving no space open specifically for Thanasis. Therefore someone will have to get cut prior to opening night.
Sentiment Over Numbers
Of all the fiscal levers Milwaukee has pulled to keep Giannis happy, this one may be the cheapest—yet the most symbolic. Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s return to the Bucks signals far more than a rotation piece. It all but confirms Giannis’ own commitment to Milwaukee.
A Bigger Picture
Despite the financial sting of waiving and stretching Damian Lillard, which leaves years of dead cap, the front office can still point to success. In the end, keeping Giannis mattered more than dollars. By reuniting with Thanasis, the franchise sent the clearest message yet: they will do whatever it takes to keep Giannis happy and settled in Milwaukee.
© Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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