The Milwaukee Bucks can breathe a little easier – at least for now. After a summer filled with speculation that Giannis Antetokounmpo might demand a trade, the two-time MVP is set to stay in Milwaukee to start the season.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported Sunday that the Bucks reached an agreement to bring back Giannis’ brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, on a guaranteed one-year, $2.9 million deal.
The forward previously played in Milwaukee from 2019 to 2024 and will once again be on the bench – a move widely seen as a gesture to keep Giannis happy.
Bucks kept Giannis happy by re-signing Thanasis
The decision to re-sign Thanasis comes after a whirlwind offseason for the Bucks, who waived an injured Damian Lillard and signed big man Myles Turner in an effort to retool around their superstar. Despite those changes, questions lingered about Giannis’ future with the team. For now, though, the brotherly reunion has eased tensions.
Giannis has been open about his loyalty to family, and bringing Thanasis back signals that the front office is willing to do whatever it takes to keep him satisfied. While Thanasis is unlikely to play a major role on the court, his presence could be key in maintaining locker room stability – and Giannis’ trust.
The work for Milwaukee is just beginning
Still, the Bucks face serious challenges. Beyond Turner and Giannis, the roster remains thin, especially in guard and wing depth after Lillard’s exit. Whether this patchwork approach will keep Milwaukee competitive in the Eastern Conference remains to be seen.
For now, Bucks fans can exhale: Giannis isn’t leaving just yet. But unless Milwaukee builds a stronger supporting cast, the superstar’s future could once again become the NBA’s hottest storyline.
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