The NBA world could not believe it when ESPN’s Insider Shams Charania reported that the Bucks have signed Alex Antetokounmpo, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s brother, amid all the uncertainty about his future. This is not his first stint with the Bucks organization. The 24-year-old previously played for their G-League affiliate team, the Wisconsin Herd, from 2022 to 2024 and has now returned on a two-way contract with them.
But despite that, NBA fans still smelled something fishy and alleged a form of foul play that was mainly a manipulation to keep the Greek superstar in Milwaukee. This notion was further strengthened when Charania further reported that the Bucks made this move, intending to make Giannis Antetokounmpo more comfortable in Milwaukee.
“The Bucks are clearly doing everything they can to make Giannis feel as comfortable as possible,” said Charania on NBA Today. This news is shocking to fans, especially due to the uncertainty that revolves around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future. Therefore, once they got this information from Charania, they took to social media and expressed their opinions about it.
“Feels like a different type of salary cap circumvention to me. It’s not about more money for Giannis. It’s about bribing the rest of the family.”
“Next thing you know, they’ll sign his cousin from Greece just to be safe.”
“The Bucks just signed Giannis’ little bro. Not for buckets… but for vibes and vibes only. This isn’t a roster move — it’s a family discount.”
“So at this point, the Bucks might as well change their name to ‘Giannis & Co.’ comfort contract unlocked.”
“Bro Giannis owns The Milwaukee Bucks as a staff, record label, and franchise company.”
“This is a ‘look what you have to leave behind’ situation.”
“The entire family tree is gonna be on the team soon.”
Various fans even said sarcastically that all they need now is to sign Kostas Antetokounmpo, and they will secure Giannis’ long-term future. Considering the reports around the situation with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s wife and family, the speculations are presumably stemming from the notion that Giannis Antetokounmpo now needs a reason to stay in Milwaukee, and the Bucks organization is trying to give him several emotional ones with his brothers, Thanasis and Alex, now on the roster.
Alex Antetokounmpo went undrafted in 2021 and started his NBA journey with the Raptors 905. Subsequently, he joined the Herd and played with them for three seasons. This is now an opportunity for Alex Antetokounmpo to also make his mark with a franchise that desperately needs some stability. But only time will tell if this move was enough to keep Giannis in Milwaukee.
Do you think the Bucks are trying to manipulate Giannis into staying longer? Or would he consider moving to the Knicks or Lakers, like rumors suggest he could? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
