Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Brother Reveals Truth Behind Milwaukee Move as Bucks Keep $31M Relief to Save Roster

On the opening day of Greece’s EuroBasket 2025 campaign, several Milwaukee Bucks personnel showed up. Head coach Doc Rivers and others from his staff watched on as Giannis Antetokounmpo ferociously annihilated Italy. However, their eyes kept dwelling. It wasn’t just the Greek Freak that they wanted to watch. One of Milwaukee’s fan favorites is back.

Right after Greece’s opening game, the news hit. Thanasis  Antetokounmpo signed a one-year deal with the Bucks. Playing with a relatively thin roster from their previous years, the 33-year-old’s signing could contribute heavily to clearing Antetokounmpo’s thoughts about possibly leaving.

But this decision wasn’t motivated by the thought of keeping their ace to stay in place. Thanasis Antetokounmpo displayed erratic energy and a tenacious drive on defense in Greece’s opener. Ultimately, Rivers and the other Bucks staff who came to watch saw the value that he could bring to the team.

“They were here after the first game against Italy, and they were excited because I was playing defense. I was doing my job. That’s my role,” Thansis Antetokounmpo said about the Bucks signing him.

Thanasis returns to the Bucks and explained that the final “audition” for the deal was the #Eurobasket opening game of Greece against Italy pic.twitter.com/5bcKeqUgIC

— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) September 1, 2025

The veteran didn’t stand out on the box score like Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, his six-point performances included a steal and a block. In just 13 minutes, Thanasis Antetokounmpo recorded a +10 net differential, the highest among all the Greek players. Antetokounmpo, who is coming back from an ACL tear, earned his stripes against Italy.

And now, although signed for the minimum, expect him to play an active role for the Bucks in the coming season. Their roster isn’t stuffed with talent. Amidst that, a team-first player such as Thanasis Antetokounmpo could have a noticeable impact during the season. Moreover, for the Bucks, the decision only made their situation better.

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