As trade rumors continue to circle Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks have made a strategic, and symbolic, move to reinforce their relationship with their franchise superstar.
By signing his younger brother, Alex Antetokounmpo, to a two-way contract, the Bucks aren’t just making roster moves, they’re sending a clear message of loyalty to Giannis and the entire Antetokounmpo family.
This signing marks a historic moment in the NBA: for the first time, three brothers – Giannis, Thanasis, and Alex – are on active contracts with the same team. NBA insider Shams Charania confirmed the news via social media, noting that Alex will split his time between the Bucks and their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.
Alex, now 24, has been working to establish himself professionally since going undrafted in 2021. Standing at 6-foot-8, he brings both size and athleticism, though his journey has been anything but easy.
After stints with G League teams affiliated with both Toronto and Milwaukee, Alex gained overseas experience playing in countries such as Lithuania, Montenegro, and most recently, Greece, where the Antetokounmpo family’s roots run deep. Notably, he also attended high school at Dominican in Whitefish Bay, a Milwaukee suburb, creating a full-circle moment for his basketball journey.
A family affair that sends a strong message
The timing of this signing is no accident. Over the past year, Giannis has been loosely linked to potential trade talks, particularly involving the New York Knicks. While nothing concrete has surfaced, the speculation has been persistent enough to make headlines.
The Bucks, by adding yet another Antetokounmpo to their ranks, are doubling down, if not tripling down, on making Giannis feel at home and valued in Milwaukee.
This offseason, the Bucks also re-signed Thanasis Antetokounmpo, who missed much of last season while recovering from a torn Achilles. Despite limited playing time during his five-year tenure in Milwaukee, Thanasis has been a steady locker room presence and vocal supporter of his brother from the sidelines. His new one-year deal further cements the Bucks’ all-in approach on family and continuity.
For Alex, the two-way contract means he can move between the NBA and G League rosters. But Milwaukee already had three players signed to two-way deals, which means one had to be let go to make room. Reports indicate Jamaree Bouyea was waived, though the team has yet to confirm officially.
Whether Alex sees significant playing time remains to be seen, but his addition could serve as another layer of reassurance for Giannis. It may also hint at a long-term strategy: build around their superstar by literally building around his family.
The Bucks open their 2025-26 NBA season at home on October 22 against the Washington Wizards, and now with three Antetokounmpos on board, the franchise’s commitment to its cornerstone has never looked more personal or more public.
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