Milwaukee has officially brought back forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo, marking his return after an extended absence due to a torn Achilles tendon. The deal is a one-year contract worth $2.9 million, fully guaranteed for the 2025–26 NBA season. This move completes the latest chapter in the story of resilience, family ties, and strategic roster planning for the Bucks.
Thanasis’s season-long absence came after tearing his Achilles tendon last year—an injury that required surgery and substantial rehabilitation. He spent the 2024–25 season fully sidelined while recovering, missing both NBA game action and the opportunity to compete in the Paris Olympics with Greece. Despite that setback, he appears to have recovered effectively and is currently competing with the Greek national team in EuroBasket 2025, showcasing progress that helped pave the way for his return.
Career context and recent performance
In the 2023–24 NBA season, his last full season, Thanasis appeared in 34 games off the bench, averaging 0.9 points, 0.4 rebounds, and 4.6 minutes per game.. Over his NBA career, which includes two games with the New York Knicks in 2015–16 and the remainder with the Bucks since 2019, he has played 198 games, with averages of 2.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 7.7 minutes per contest.
Drafted 51st overall in 2014 by the Knicks, Thanasis’s journey included stints in international leagues before signing with Milwaukee in July 2019. His presence has always held intangible value—bringing energy, defensive effort, and a familial bond, especially considering he’s the older brother of Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Implications for team dynamics
The re-signing sends a clear signal that Giannis is expected to remain with Milwaukee for the upcoming season—a reassurance that had been needed amid speculation about his long-term future. Earlier reports suggested Giannis was considering his options after consecutive playoff disappointments, making the decision to retain his brother a stabilizing move from the front office.
Thanasis’s addition to the 15-man regular roster now forces the Bucks to make final roster decisions. At present, they have 20 players under contract, including three two-way players, 15 guaranteed contracts, one partially guaranteed, and one non-guaranteed Exhibit 9 deal. The most likely candidate to be waived to clear a roster spot is Andre Jackson Jr., whose contract is only partially guaranteed for $800,000. Chris Livingston, with a fully guaranteed deal, presents a more complex option, and Amir Coffey, on a non-guaranteed training camp deal, also faces increased uncertainty.
Symbolic and strategic value
Beyond just numbers, Thanasis brings continuity, chemistry, and a morale boost to a locker room that values chemistry. His return restores a sense of family unity—important for Giannis, who may be motivated to remain in one place if his brother is also part of the squad. It also offers Milwaukee a reliable defensive-minded presence, someone who understands the organization’s culture and expectations.
On the court, while his role will likely remain limited in minutes, he offers depth, veteran experience, and versatility across forward positions—qualities that can be crucial during a long NBA season and playoff push.
Summary
- Contract: One-year, $2.9 million fully guaranteed.
- Recovery: Returning after Achilles tear that cost 2024–25 season; currently playing in EuroBasket 2025.
- Career: 198 NBA appearances, average ~2.4 points, 1.6 rebounds.
- Roster impact: Forces cut of likely candidates; reshapes 15-man possible lineup.
- Team implications: Highlights Giannis’ likely return and maintains locker room cohesion.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s return may not dominate headlines for on-court stats, but it resonates deeply with fans, teammates, and the franchise’s identity. Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of how he fits into the Bucks’ rotation or comparisons to other key returnees this offseason.
