Thanasis Antetokounmpo is ready to return to an NBA court.
That could have intriguing implications and foreshadowing potential for what the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo might try to do in the trade market.
Thanasis, the older brother, is returning from a torn Achilles that forced him to miss the 2024-25 season. He revealed the news on his podcast with two words: "I'm back."
Of added note, Thanasis is a free agent.
He's been with the Bucks since the 2019-20 season to team with his superstar brother.
Given that the Bucks kept Thanasis around likely in part for Giannis, where he winds up this offseason could be telling.
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If Milwaukee and Thanasis agree to a new contract, it could signal that Giannis is staying put. If Thanasis gets deep into negotiations with another team, that could point toward that squad seeking Giannis in a trade.
It has the potential to feel a bit like college recruiting, where a school will add an older sibling or teammate in hopes of a year or two down the road landing the bigger fish.
Thanasis is a minnow in the grand scheme of this conversation, but Giannis is a whale.
NBA eyes will be on Thanasis now, too, looking for any hints of what might happen with Giannis this offseason.
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