Bucks Sign Veteran Forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo to $2.9M Deal
The Milwaukee Bucks have filled their final roster spot for the 2025-26 season.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, veteran forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo has signed a fully guaranteed one-year contract worth $2.9 million — the veteran minimum — to return to the Bucks. Thanasis, older brother of star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, previously played for Milwaukee from 2019 to 2024 but missed all of last season due to injury.
Charania noted that Thanasis’ return could influence Giannis’ future in Milwaukee, at least in the short term. There had been uncertainty around the two-time MVP’s commitment to the franchise following Damian Lillard’s Achilles injury during the playoffs. Afterward, general manager Jon Horst made a significant shift by waiving and stretching Lillard’s contract to create space for signing former Pacers center Myles Turner.
Thanasis appeared to confirm the news himself on X (formerly Twitter), posting a photo of him with his 2021 championship ring alongside Finals MVP Giannis and former teammate Brook Lopez — who now plays for the LA Clippers — with the caption, “I’m back.”
With this signing, Milwaukee has now maxed out its 15 standard guaranteed contracts. Guard Andre Jackson Jr. remains on a partially guaranteed deal that would become fully guaranteed at the start of the season, while swingman Amir Coffey — coming off a breakout year with the Clippers — was signed to an Exhibit 10 contract.
Is Thanasis’ Return a Missed Opportunity?
While Coffey might’ve provided real on-court value, the Bucks appear to have prioritized team chemistry and keeping Giannis happy by re-signing his brother. At 33 and coming off a significant injury, Thanasis is unlikely to contribute much in the rotation.
Still, there’s a possibility the Bucks could make another roster move, potentially waiving a fringe player to keep Coffey around depending on how training camp plays out. Given Milwaukee’s limited depth beyond its core frontcourt, Coffey’s potential could prove valuable if the front office chooses to make space for him.
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