The Milwaukee Bucks appear determined to do everything possible to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. Speculation about his future has been swirling since Shams Charania reported earlier this summer that Giannis was weighing opportunities beyond Milwaukee. Since then, the Bucks have worked tirelessly to make the right moves in hopes of convincing their two-time MVP to stay.
On Monday, the Bucks took another step by inking Giannis’ youngest brother, Alex, to a two-way deal, setting up the Antetokounmpo trio for a historic moment in NBA history.
Alex Antetokounmpo, middle, teamed with older brothers Giannis and Thanasis for the 2022 NBA All-Star Skills Challenge in Cleveland. Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports
“Alex joins brothers Giannis and Thanasis, giving Milwaukee the first trio of brothers on active NBA contracts with the same team in league history,” Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico wrote in his article. “Call it what it is — a nice story and maybe a little roster diplomacy. Giannis’ long-term happiness matters, and this certainly doesn’t hurt.”
The 24-year-old Alex, entered the professional ranks undrafted in 2021 before joining the Sacramento Kings’ Summer League team that captured the title that year. He later played in the G League for Raptors 905 and the Wisconsin Herd, Milwaukee’s affiliate. This is actually his second stint with the Bucks, who signed and released him in 2023 to maintain his G League rights. Unlike that brief arrangement, this deal carries real significance for both sides.
Antetokounmpo brothers with the Milwaukee Bucks
February 19, 2022; Cleveland, OH, USA; Team Antetokounmpo player Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks (34), Team Antetokounmpo player Alex Antetokounmpo of the Raptors 905 of the NBA G League (29), Team Antetokounmpo player Thanasis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks (43) during the Skills Challenge during the 2022 NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Rocket Mortgage Field House. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
While Alex will continue to log minutes in the G League, his two-way contract allows him to appear in up to 50 NBA regular-season games. That gives the Antetokounmpo brothers a chance to make even more history as the first trio of siblings to share the court in the same NBA game.
To clear a roster spot for Alex, the Bucks released guard Jamaree Bouyea. The Bucks have signed the 6-foot-2 guard in March, but he ultimately became the odd man out in the team’s latest roster shuffle.
With Greak Freak rumors swirling, the Bucks waived the injured Damian Lillard. They stretched the remaining money on his contract so that they could sign former Indiana Pacers starting center Myles Turner and give Giannis more help this season. Then the Bucks recently re-signed his brother Thanasis to a one-year $2.9 million deal in what many thought sealed Giannis’ fate in Deer District.
Aug 6, 2024; Paris, France; Greece small forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) runs onto the court before the game against Germany during a mens basketball quarterfinal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Giannis has another brother, Kostas, who teamed up with him and Thanasis during Greece’s bronze medal campaign at the recent EuroBasket tournament. However, analysts explained that he doesn’t qualify for a two-way deal. Had he been eligible, the Bucks might have explored that option as well, since, as Sam Amico mentioned, ensuring Giannis’ satisfaction continues to be at the heart of the team’s plans.