After seven years in the U.S., Thanasis Antetokounmpo is returning to his home country. The longtime Milwaukee Bucks pro has signed a contract with the ambitious EuroCup team Aris BC that runs through 2028—with an option.
The club has since officially announced the signing. According to the announcement, the older brother of NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has signed a so-called “2+1” contract in Thessaloniki. This means a guaranteed contract term through 2028, plus an option for the following year.
The 34-year-old is thus returning to his home country after seven years. Thanasis Antetokounmpo played for the top Athens club, Panathinaikos, from 2017 to 2019 before joining his brother’s franchise, the Milwaukee Bucks, for a total of seven seasons.
With Giannis’s move to Miami, Thanasis’s time in the “Beer City” also comes to an end. At Aris BC, however, the big man will find a thoroughly ambitious club led by his national team coach, Vasilis Spanoulis.
Aris is significantly bolstering its roster thanks to a billionaire
Following the arrival of 25-year-old billionaire investor Richard Hsiao, the club from northern Greece has significantly bolstered its roster. Among others, Stefan Jovic and Nenad Dimitrijevic joined from FC Bayern. In addition, former NBA player Khem Birch was also signed.
The signing does not come as a complete surprise, however. Hsiao has a very good relationship with Thanasis’s brother Giannis. The ten-time NBA All-Star made a guest appearance at an Aris home game at the end of last season. In addition, the two have recently been seen together on social media on several occasions.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo appeared in 34 games for the Bucks last season, averaging 1.4 points and 0.9 rebounds in 4.4 minutes of playing time. Over the course of his seven NBA seasons, he has played in 232 regular-season games.