By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Thanasis Antetokounmpo resurfaced on the roster of the Milwaukee Bucks.
After surgery late in the 2023-24 season, the 33-year-old combo forward sat out the 2024-25 campaign but returned to action with the senior national team of Greece. He is currently playing with the team guided by Vassilis Spanoulis in EuroBasket 2025.
The reunion with the Bucks was announced by the player on social media.
ESPN senior insider Shams Charania later reported an agreement on a one-year, $2.9 million contract, fully guaranteed. The move also reaffirmed Giannis is staying in Milwaukee to start the new NBA Regular Season, as noted.
Officially confirming the deal, the Bucks announced the return of Thanasis on Sunday.
Per the press release: “The Milwaukee Bucks have re-signed forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo is currently competing with the Greek National Team in EuroBasket 2025. He last appeared for the Bucks during the 2023-24 season, in which he played in 34 games. During his first five seasons with the team, he appeared in 196 games (11 starts). Antetokounmpo missed the 2024-25 season due to injury.
Originally drafted by New York with the 51st overall selection in the 2014 NBA Draft, Antetokounmpo appeared in two games for the Knicks during the 2015-16 season. He signed with Milwaukee prior to the 2019-20 season after playing three seasons (Spain, 2016-17; Greece, 2017-19) overseas.”
In his first official action since being medically cleared, the Athens native has helped Greece start Group C of EuroBasket’s preliminary round with three wins in as many outings, averaging 3.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.0 assists, and 0.3 blocks. He has been effective on both ends of the court, bringing his unique energy to the bid for an extended run in the international tournament.
Alongside his brother and Bucks leader, Giannis, the experienced and dynamic forward was previously a Bucks player between 2019 and 2024. The spell was highlighted by winning an NBA championship in 2021. They will continue playing together, extending from the ongoing renewed partnership at the international level with Greece.