Giannis Antetokounmpo’s brother, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, is staying with the Milwaukee Bucks despite drawing interest from the New York Knicks, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Thanasis appeared in 37 games for the Bucks last season. He averaged 1.4 points and 1.2 rebounds while shooting 43.5% from the field and 50.0% from the free-throw line. The 31-year-old has career averages of 2.7 points and 1.8 rebounds in 164 games with the Bucks and Knicks. Thanasis played two games for New York in 2015-16.
The Bucks won 58 games last season. They were the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, Milwaukee lost to the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs in five games. Giannis hurt his back in Game 1 of the series and missed Games 2 and 3. He got injured just 10 minutes into Game 1 in Milwaukee.
The Bucks re-signed Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez this offseason in free agency. They also replaced head coach Mike Budenholzer with Adrian Griffin. Giannis and Middleton met with Griffin during the interview process.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Bucks general manager Jon Horst told Eric Nehm of The Athletic that it’s his “job” to make sure Giannis never leaves the franchise. Giannis will become eligible for another contract extension with the Bucks in September.
“I mean, that’s our job,” Horst said. “He is the most incredible human, superstar, teammate, leader, I believe, in all of sports and we’re incredibly blessed to have him. It’s an awesome responsibility to win and compete every year to be in a position to keep him.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
The Bucks signed Giannis to a five-year, $228.2 million designated maximum contract extension in December 2020. The future Hall of Famer will make $45.6 million next season.
In 63 games for the Bucks last season, Giannis averaged 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists while shooting 55.3% from the floor, 27.5% from beyond the arc and 64.5% from the free-throw line. The seven-time All-Star and two-time MVP recorded 46 double-doubles and six triple-doubles.
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