Antetokounmpo is staying with the Bucks.
We’re not talking Giannis Antetokounmpo — he’s not leaving Milwaukee either, but that was never in question. However, his brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo had a decision to make and, as expected, decided to opt into his $1.9 million to stay with the team, reports Michael Scotto at Hoopshype.
Sources: Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo has exercised his $1.88 million player option for the 2022-23 season, @hoopshype has learned.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 18, 2022
After the Bucks won the title, Thanasis — the older brother of Giannis — signed a two-year, $3.6 million contract with the team. After this coming season, the Bucks will have his full Bird rights and could pay him more to keep Giannis happy.
Thanasis is an end-of-the-bench role player who got in 48 games last season averaging 3.6 points a night. His real value is as an emotional leader on the bench — he probably yells at the referees more than Mike Budenholzer — and he keeps Giannis happy. It’s money well spent by the Bucks to keep him happy.
Milwaukee has much bigger offseason moves to make, starting with re-signing Bobby Portis, who has earned himself a raise. Pat Connaughton can opt-out and get a new deal as well. Also, Khris Middleton is extension eligible if the Bucks want to lock up the Olympian for longer.
