The Milwaukee Bucks have shattered NBA records by signing Alex Antetokounmpo, bringing together three Antetokounmpo brothers on the same active roster for the first time in league history. This monumental move has significant implications for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future and the team’s strategic direction, further cementing the family’s unparalleled legacy in professional basketball.
In a move that reverberates through the annals of professional basketball, the Milwaukee Bucks have officially etched their name in the record books. The franchise announced the signing of Alex Antetokounmpo to a two-way contract, an action that transcends a typical roster addition. This historic decision ensures that for the very first time in NBA history, three brothers will be on active contracts with the same team simultaneously: Giannis, Thanasis, and now Alex Antetokounmpo.
The news, initially reported by ESPN on Monday, October 13, confirms a narrative long favored by fans – the strengthening of family ties within the Bucks organization. This strategic signing sends a clear message about Milwaukee’s commitment to its superstar, Giannis, amidst ongoing discussions about his future with the team.
Alex Antetokounmpo’s Path to Milwaukee
At 24 years old, Alex Antetokounmpo arrives in Milwaukee following a developmental path that has spanned both the G League and international play. Undrafted in 2021, the 6-foot-8 forward has tirelessly honed his skills.
His professional journey includes:
- A stint with Spain’s Murcia club in 2020.
- Playing for the Raptors 905 in the G League during the 2021-22 season.
- Two seasons (2022-2024) with the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks’ G League affiliate, where he averaged 5.8 points and 3 rebounds over 50 games.
- Recent play for PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece, where he averaged 1.2 points and 1.1 rebounds in 14 games.
While Alex is anticipated to spend a significant portion of the upcoming season further developing his game with the Herd, his presence on the active roster carries immense symbolic weight for the franchise and its global fanbase.
To facilitate Alex’s signing, the Bucks made corresponding roster adjustments, waiving guards Jamaree Bouyea and Cormac Ryan, a move confirmed via the Milwaukee Bucks’ official X account.
The Antetokounmpo Legacy: A Family Dynasty in the NBA
The story of the Antetokounmpo brothers is one of determination and an unwavering belief in family. Their parents, Vera and Charles Antetokounmpo, bravely left Nigeria for Greece in 1991, raising their five sons in Athens with minimal resources. Giannis and Thanasis famously sold goods on the streets of Sepolia to support their family, a stark contrast to their current global stardom.
Giannis, the first to enter the NBA in the 2013 draft, quickly ascended to superstardom. He is a two-time NBA MVP, earned first-team All-NBA honors for the seventh consecutive year in 2024-25, and consistently dominates the league, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists last season while securing his ninth straight All-Star selection.
His older brother, Thanasis, has been a vital part of the Bucks organization for five seasons (2019-24), recently re-signing on a one-year, $2.9 million deal after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon that sidelined him for the entire 2024-25 campaign. Their commitment extends beyond the NBA; Giannis, Thanasis, and their brother Kostas Antetokounmpo proudly represented Greece, securing a bronze medal at the 2025 EuroBasket tournament.
Kostas, who currently plays for Olympiacos in Greece, also boasts an NBA championship ring, earned with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. The oldest sibling, Francis, carved his own professional athletic path as a soccer player, completing the remarkable Antetokounmpo sports lineage.
Giannis’s Future and the Bucks’ Strategic Play
The timing of Alex’s signing is particularly noteworthy given the ongoing speculation surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s long-term future with the Bucks. With two seasons remaining on his current contract after the upcoming 2025-26 campaign, Giannis is eligible for an extension. However, he has consistently emphasized his desire to be part of a title-contending team.
“I want to be on a team that allows me and gives me a chance to win a championship,” Giannis stated at Bucks media day, a sentiment reported by Yahoo Sports. This declaration has fueled trade rumors, with teams like the New York Knicks reportedly exploring options, though Giannis has indicated a commitment to Milwaukee for the time being.
The Bucks’ decision to bring in Alex, following Thanasis’s re-signing, is widely seen as a concerted effort to foster an environment of comfort and loyalty for their MVP. By integrating more family members into the franchise, Milwaukee aims to underscore their dedication to Giannis’s happiness and, by extension, his continued presence as the team’s cornerstone.
Fan Reactions and the Road Ahead
For the passionate Bucks faithful, this historic family reunion is more than just a feel-good story; it’s a testament to the team’s identity and a potential signal for sustained success. The Antetokounmpo brothers embody resilience and hard work, and their collective presence in Milwaukee injects an unparalleled sense of purpose and unity.
While Alex’s immediate impact may be felt primarily in the G League, his signing carries profound symbolic value that resonates deeply within the fan community. It transforms trade rumors into a narrative of profound loyalty, strengthening the bond between Giannis, his family, and the city that has embraced them. The Antetokounmpo name is now inextricably linked with Milwaukee’s sporting identity, and this latest chapter ensures their legend continues to inspire across the globe.
