When the Milwaukee Bucks inked veteran forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo to a one-year deal last week, there was understandable celebration in Brew City for the implications that came alone with the contract. Thanasis, of course, is the older brother of Giannis Antetokounmpo so getting him into a Bucks uniform for the year came alongside reports that both brothers would happily suit up in Milwaukee this season.
Thanasis is a deep-bench player. He last played for the Bucks in 2023-24, and scored a total of 32 points that season, making 34 appearances. But signing him means that Giannis Antetokounmpo is happy and won’t ask for a trade out of Milwaukee, a move that was the subject of hefty speculation throughout this offseason.
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But the important thing to remember about this decision: It’s only a temporary reprieve for Milwaukee.
When Can Giannis Antetokounmpo Become a Free Agent?
In October 2023, Antetokounmpo signed a three-year max extension worth $175 million, a deal that starts here in 2025-26. He will make $54 million this year and is scheduled to make $58 million next year. But he has a player option for $63 million in 2027-28, which means there is a chance he will be on the free-agent market in 2027.
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“Obviously, it’s a good thing for the Bucks that this happened, but it does not mean he’s retiring in Milwaukee,” one NBA executive said this week. “The big thing is what happens next year, that’s when he will have the power to pressure the team into either trading him or letting him get to free agency.
“There are a lot of teams betting that he will be a free agent in 2027. It’s something he has never really done, explore the market and all that. There’s a pretty good sense that he is going to want to be a free agent, at least that one time. Doesn’t mean he can’t go back to Milwaukee. But it gives the Heat, the Lakers, the Warriors, teams like that–it gives them a chance to create space and maybe make their pitch.”
Bucks Have Struggled in NBA Playoffs Since Winning a Championship
Even at age 30, Antetokounmpo remains one of the best players in the NBA, a nine-time All-Star and All-NBA performer. He averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists last season, and while he never quite got the hang on 3-point shooting, he is still a master at hitting the free-throw line. He has led the NBA in free-throw attempts the past three seasons, including last eyar when he attempted 10.6 per game.
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Whie Antetokounmpo has indicated he is open to remaining with the Bucks for his entire career, and Milwaukee did win a championship in 2021, the team has struggled to remain competitive around him in recent years, and the Bucks were elminated from the Eastern Conference playoffs in three straight seasons.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.