In a move to solidify Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s desire to stay with the Bucks, the franchise is re-signing his brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, on a guaranteed one-year, $2.9MM contract, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports (Twitter link).
The signing is official, according to a team press release relayed by The Athletic’s Eric Nehm (Twitter link).
According to Charania, after a summer of exploring options, Giannis Antetokounmpo — who is currently playing for Greece in the EuroBasket tournament — is staying in Milwaukee to start the season. This will quell speculation that the superstar might request a trade this offseason.
Naturally, if things don’t go well for the Bucks as the season progresses, that could always change. But having his brother back in the fold gives Giannis some added incentive to stay put.
Thanasis is also playing for Greece in the tournament. He was medically cleared to play again this spring after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury.
The 32-year-old underwent surgery in early May of 2024 after tearing his Achilles. He was a free agent this past season after signing mainly minimum contracts to play with his brother in Milwaukee.
Thanasis, who made two appearances with the Knicks in 2015/16, saw action in 196 Bucks games from 2019-24. He played 34 games during the 2023/24 season and has posted averages of 2.4 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.7 minutes per game over the course of his NBA career.
The Bucks will now have 15 players on guaranteed contracts, ESPN’s Bobby Marks tweets. This could put Andre Jackson Jr.‘s roster status in jeopardy.
The former UConn guard has an $800K guarantee on his $2,221,677 contract. It becomes fully guaranteed if he makes the opening night roster.
lol, like why not just write him a check fir the cash instead and put him with the cheerleading squad.
Isn’t that what they do ? The guy doesn’t play in real games does he ?
“Isn’t that what they do ? The guy doesn’t play in real games does he ?”
Yeah, he doesn’t play on a Kerr team where he is actively trying to block Kuminga, Kerr would have him in late+close over Kuminga for no reason.
Bronny, Jack Haley, Nick Kerr, Kirk Lacob, Austin Ainge, just off the top of my head…
NBA paychecks not for their playing skills but rather for something else.
Nick Kerr did a great job with SC warriors last year.
Kerr’s son has skills. No doubt about it. He did a great job as you say.
But he didn’t have to start at a JC or high school, then work his way through the college ranks, etc. etc.
I’m not saying it’s a problem. It’s just about Greek freak’s brother getting a new contract that’s all. Pointing out, nepotism in all its glory.
I always find it funny when people complain about DEI being unfair but then nepotism is OK. Like in college students who are not top of the class but get in on legacy because their parents went to that school. Seems like in sports there is a lot of nepotism everywhere.
Why do the non players you listed require NBA playing skills to deserve a check?
They don’t lol !!
I’m listing guys who have NBA jobs because of who they know not what they know.
But..but..but… what a waste (whaaah)!. He’s taking a spot away from a more worthy player (whaah). Nepotism (whaah). What about the lil Serbian kid that is only going to get half a million to help support his family now because he can’t make the Bucks 15th roster spot now because of this? (whaah, whaahh, whaaaaaaahhh). Lebbbron Jamessss (whaaaaaaah).
Why is it a waste? Nepotism is what it is and it happens everywhere. It’s not a problem.
This is way worse than Bronny’s spot lmao
Why, because Bronny is a real NBA player? That’s lmao !!
They’re probably about the same. It makes the star happy so who cares which is “worse?”
Thanasis twirls towels.
“Giannis will NEVER leave Milwaukee for the Warriors”
Heh…gunna be so funny on here when it happens for real….lol
when’s alex or kostas gonna be given a turn? time for a different brother.