Amid continued speculation about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future, the Milwaukee Bucks made a move that may resonate far beyond the box score.
On Monday, the Bucks signed Giannis’ youngest brother, Alex Antetokounmpo, to a two-way contract, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The deal reunites the youngest Antetokounmpo sibling with his superstar brother Giannis and veteran forward Thanasis Antetokounmpo, marking the first time in NBA history that three brothers have been on active roster contracts with the same franchise.
To make room for the signing, Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto reported the Bucks waived point guard Jamaree Bouyea, who appeared in five games last season and was named to the All-NBA G League Second Team in 2023.
A Family Reunion With a Message
Getty (L-R) Milwaukee Bucks players Giannis Antetokounmpo, Alex Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo pose for a photo before ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on March 31, 2023 in New York City.
Alex Antetokounmpo, 24, returns to Milwaukee after spending the past two seasons with the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks’ G League affiliate, before playing overseas last year.
His addition, while unlikely to alter the team’s on-court rotation, sends a clear signal to the Bucks’ franchise player: Milwaukee remains committed to keeping Giannis happy and fully invested in the organization.
The signing comes just days after Giannis addressed renewed trade speculation linking him to the New York Knicks — a storyline that has dominated NBA discussions since the summer.
Giannis Addresses Knicks Rumors
Last week, Giannis spoke publicly for the first time about ESPN’s report that the Bucks and Knicks engaged in preliminary trade talks in August after he allegedly identified New York as his preferred destination outside of Milwaukee.
“First of all, I haven’t read that story,” Antetokounmpo said. “When the season starts, I try to get off social media and focus on my craft and the team. But yeah, I’ve said this many times: I want to be in a situation where I can win — and right now, I’m here. I believe in this team. I believe in my teammates. I’m here to lead this team to wherever we can go. It’s definitely going to be hard, but I’m here. So all the other extra stuff does not matter.”
While the Bucks reaffirmed to the Knicks that they had no interest in moving their two-time MVP, league insiders suggested the two sides walked away with different impressions of how serious the discussions were.
“The Bucks insisted to the Knicks that they preferred not to move Antetokounmpo,” Charania reported. “But those in Milwaukee believe New York did not make a strong enough offer to continue even discussing a trade. It’s unclear how the Bucks would have responded to an all-out chase by the Knicks.”
Uncertainty Still Lingers
For the Bucks, the family reunion underscores a familiar pattern. Milwaukee has consistently sought to keep its franchise cornerstone content — whether through roster upgrades, coaching changes, or symbolic gestures, such as keeping his brothers on the team.
Yet the speculation persists. The Bucks have suffered three straight first-round playoff exits since their 2021 championship run, and Giannis has publicly emphasized his desire to remain with a contender.
“I think I’ve communicated with my teammates and the people I respect that the moment I step on this court or in this facility, the rest does not matter,” Antetokounmpo said. “Now, if in six, seven months I change my mind, I think that’s human too. You’re allowed to make any decision you want. But I’m locked in — to this team, to these guys, to this coaching staff, and to myself.”
Whether the presence of Thanasis and Alex Antetokounmpo can help secure Giannis’ long-term commitment remains to be seen. But for now, Milwaukee’s latest roster move — family-oriented or strategic — reinforces one message: the Bucks are still doing everything in their power to keep their superstar at home.
Bucks’ New Signing Sends Clear Message to Giannis Antetokounmpo