5 Offseason moves Bucks must be prepared to make to keep Giannis happy
By Tyler Watts
4. Bring back Thanasis
This got a bit more interesting because Thanasis tore his Achilles and will likely miss the entire season. The Greek Freak’s older brother has been on the Bucks for five straight years. Expect him to return on a minimum one-year contract as virtually the last player on their bench.
Thanasis has never appeared in more than 57 games and has yet to play over 10 minutes each night for an entire season. The 31-year-old is a positive locker-room presence but will continue to make a minimal on-court impact. He remains on the Bucks because the Greek Freak wants him on their roster.
Giannis honored his older brother at the 2024 All-Star Game, and he is not going to be happy unless Thanasis remains on the team. The Bucks' front office may prefer taking a shot on a minimum contract player who may actually help them on the court, but keeping Giannis happy and in the Cream City is more important.
Signing Thanasis to a minimum contract should be the least of the Bucks’ worries. If Giannis pushes for another marquee upgrade, the front office will be scrambling. They have just one tradeable first-round draft pick and may be forced to get creative, like dealing a fan-favorite big man. Creating the market to get an upgrade will be difficult, though.