Report: Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Brother of Giannis, Exercises Bucks Contract Option

Milwaukee Bucks forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo will trigger his $1.9 million player option for the 2022-23 NBA season, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto.

The 29-year-old is the older brother of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. He made 48 appearances for Milwaukee this past season, averaging 3.6 points and 2.1 rebounds.

The elder Antetokounmpo first signed with the Bucks in July 2019.

"Thanasis is a young player with great experience at the top level overseas," general manager Jon Horst said at the time. "He brings toughness, athleticism, character and a high IQ. We are thrilled to have him join the Bucks."

Thanasis' family connections almost certainly had a helping hand in him getting his first NBA gig since 2016. Giannis had yet to pledge his long-term future to the Bucks, so bringing his brother into the fold certainly didn't hurt Milwaukee's chances of keeping him around.

The Greek Freak eventually penned a five-year, supermax extension in December 2020.

Thanasis has since become a somewhat regular contributor at the end of the bench. He's logging 9.2 minutes per game and putting up 3.1 points on 51.4 percent shooting through 125 appearances with the Bucks. He was on the floor for 45 minutes during Milwaukee's title run during the 2021 NBA playoffs.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Jim Owczarski wrote in May that Thanasis' return was expected and that an opt-out was likely contingent on him re-signing with the Bucks on a minimum deal.