Giannis Antetokounmpo’s brothers, Thanasis and Kostas, are reportedly reconsidering their futures in the NBA amid recent developments favoring a return to Greece. This potential shift comes as a close family associate and a Greek professional team express interest in bringing them home to continue their basketball careers.
Brothers Face Uncertain NBA Futures as Family Ties Pull Them Toward Greece
Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Giannis’s elder brother, who previously played alongside him with the Milwaukee Bucks, and younger brother Kostas, who sought NBA opportunities after playing in Spain, may no longer pursue their NBA careers. Despite Thanasis’ valued presence on the Bucks’ bench and in the locker room, his impact outside Milwaukee has been limited.
Initially planning to continue in the NBA or elsewhere abroad, both brothers are being influenced by Richard Xiao, owner of the Greek basketball club ARIS, who maintains a close relationship with the Antetokounmpo family. This connection has sparked talks of both Thanasis and Kostas potentially signing with ARIS, where coach Nikos Zisis reportedly intends to integrate them into his squad.
Thanasis had planned to join ARIS last season but was sidelined due to injury. Now, with a supportive owner and a coach interested in their development, the brothers face an opportunity to regain consistent playing time and rebuild their careers in their home country. Their chance to perform under a dedicated coaching staff in a familiar environment is appealing after their struggles to secure regular roles in the NBA.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has not publicly addressed these rumors, choosing to remain focused on offseason speculation surrounding his own basketball future.
Milwaukee Bucks Struggle to Build a Competitive Roster Around Giannis
While the focus remains on Giannis, the Bucks’ internal problems amplify the tension. For the first time in his career, Giannis seems wary of the Bucks’ ability to fulfill his championship aspirations. The team faces a daunting offseason challenge, with seven players becoming free agents and limited assets to acquire impactful talent.
Damian Lillard’s ACL injury also worsens the Bucks’ outlook, sidelining a key player for most of the upcoming season. Without valuable draft picks or attractive trade pieces, the Bucks’ future around Giannis looks uncertain.
ESPN analyst Brian Windhorst highlighted this precarious scenario, explaining why the Bucks’ 2026 first-round pick is highly valued across the league.
“The reason why the entire league thinks the Bucks’ 2026 1st-round pick is so valuable is because they don’t think they are going to be able to pull this off,”
—Brian Windhorst, ESPN Analyst
This statement reflects the skepticism about the Bucks’ ability to surround Giannis with a championship-caliber team given current limitations.
The Bucks’ roster quandary leaves Giannis’ loyalty at the center of speculation. Whether he chooses to remain patient with Milwaukee or requests a trade will significantly shape his career trajectory and the franchise’s direction.
Implications for the Antetokounmpo Family and the Broader NBA Landscape
The potential departure of Thanasis and Kostas from the NBA could signal the end of an era where multiple members of the Antetokounmpo family compete simultaneously at the highest level of basketball. For the brothers, returning home offers a chance to revitalize their careers, gain consistent playing time, and contribute meaningfully in a league that values their heritage and skill sets.
For Giannis, their choice may intensify the pressure he faces as he contemplates his own future amid the Bucks’ uncertain rebuilding efforts. The family’s moves back to Greece might also reflect wider challenges that talented yet lesser-known players encounter in securing NBA roles despite strong performance and hard work.
As discussions unfold, fan and media attention will likely continue to focus on whether Giannis stays committed to Milwaukee or explores new opportunities. Meanwhile, the Bucks must urgently address their roster issues to support their star player and remain competitive in a league where injuries and limited resources are testing their resolve.
The unfolding situation around Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers underscores the complex dynamics between family loyalty, career aspirations, and professional sports realities that define the modern NBA offseason.