Giannis isn't the only member of the Antetokounmpo family who has a decision looming regarding their future with the Milwaukee Bucks this summer. Older brother Thanasis will be a free agent this offseason, and whatever happens with Giannis will directly influence Thanasis' future in the league, whether it continues in Milwaukee or elsewhere.
Thanasis is tied to Giannis this summer
Thanasis has been with the Milwaukee Bucks since the 2019-20 season, excluding 2024-25 as he recovered from a torn Achilles tendon. Why have the Bucks kept him around for so long despite an almost non-existent role? Well, largely to appease Giannis, who has always been a huge family man. To keep Giannis happy, it's been a small but impactful move over the years.
If Giannis goes through with a trade request this summer, the odds of Thanasis re-signing as a free agent plummet to zero. Without Giannis, it simply wouldn't make much sense to retain him. Sure, he's a great locker room guy who could be useful in that regard, but it's unlikely that the Milwaukee Bucks would explore keeping him around, and he likely wouldn't find that desirable either.
Instead, any team that trades for Giannis, if it does indeed happen, must also be prepared to bring in his brother. Perhaps even the youngest brother, Alex Antetokounmpo, would be needed.
Thanasis could depart after a lengthy tenure
As mentioned, Thanasis has never played a key role on the court during his time with the Bucks, but he has still been impactful. His locker room presence has been a welcoming piece to this franchise, and it would be missed if he departed. He's been here through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, pushing through all of it to etch his name into fan favorite status.
There is no resolution on a Giannis trade yet, but the entire world is waiting. New rumors are coming out of the woodwork every single day, and it still truly feels 50/50 that he stays vs. goes. The Bucks would likely still love to work something out long-term, but it will require the franchise pulling a rabbit out of a hat to forge a competitive roster.
If the Milwaukee Bucks can work their magic and convince Giannis to stay, Thanasis returning feels like a given. If Giannis puts his foot down and wants out, there will be two Antetokounmpos leaving.
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