Thanasis Antetokounmpo Leaves NBA for Overseas Contract After Giannis' Bucks-Heat Trade

The Antetokounmpo brothers won't be together during the 2026-27 NBA season, as Thanasis is continuing his professional career in Greece.

Aris B.C. of the Greek Basketball League announced on Tuesday that Thanasis Antetokounmpo has signed a two-year deal with the club that includes a team option for a third season.

Antetokounmpo, the older brother of Giannis, has played seven seasons in the NBA spread over 11 years. He came to the United States in 2013 when he was drafted by the Delaware 87ers of the then-NBA Developmental League, now known as the G League.

The following year, Antetokounmpo was drafted into the NBA by the New York Knicks with the No. 51 overall pick. He spent most of the next two seasons with their D-League club, but did get play back-to-back NBA games on Jan. 29 and 31, 2016.

Following the 2015-16 season, Antetokounmpo went to play overseas in Spain and Greece for three years. He returned to the NBA in July 2019 when the Milwaukee Bucks signed him, pairing him with Giannis.

Thanasis wound up playing seven seasons with the Bucks, winning an NBA title during the 2020-21 campaign. He missed the entire 2024-25 season due to a torn Achilles before returning in 2025-26.

The 34-year-old appeared in 34 games with the Bucks last season. He averaged 1.4 points off the bench. Giannis left the Bucks this offseason when he was traded to the Miami Heat.

Aris B.C. finished 14-10 during the 2025-26 regular season and made the playoffs. The Emperor lost in the quarterfinals to AEK.