The Milwaukee Bucks had quite a whirlwind first two days of NBA free agency. On the first night that teams could negotiate with free agents, they agreed to a three-year $102 million contract with Khris Middleton. Then on day two, they agreed to a two-year $48 million contract with Defensive Player of the Year runner-up Brook Lopez.
In an unexpected move, the team also agreed to a one-year contract with Jae Crowder, whom the team acquired for five second round picks late last season. The deal was not expected because Crowder was barely used in the playoffs against the Heat, a development he was publicly critical of at the time.
However, the hiring of Adrian Griffin as the team’s new head coach must have renewed his faith in the organization. That being said, the details of his contract are currently unknown and could have a substantial effect on what the Bucks can do for the remainder of the offseason.
The Milwaukee Bucks Are Expected to Re-Sign Thanasis Antetokounmpo
In short, Crowder either signed for all or part of the Bucks’ $5 million tax-payer exception or the league minimum. In either case, Milwaukee does not have the cap space to bring in what some would consider big-time free agents. The players they sign for the remainder of the offseason will be for minimum level deals.
According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, there is at least one more play from the 2022-23 team that Milwaukee will almost certainly re-sign: Thanasis Antetokounmpo. Nehm writes:
“It seems fair to assume Thanasis Antetokounmpo will be back, but he is not listed there yet because the Bucks normally wait to put him on the roster late in the process to allow for maximum flexibility beforehand.
“If Thanasis and both Jackson and Livingston are on the NBA roster next season, that would bring the total to 12, leaving two or three roster spots for Horst to fill.”
If Nehm is correct, Thanasis, who of course is the older brother of Giannis Antetokounmpo, will likely be one of the last players Milwaukee signs. As has been the case since he joined the team, it will be on a minimum deal.
Why the Milwaukee Bucks Should Re-Sign Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Of course, it is not likely that Thanasis will see much playing time outside of garbage minutes. However, his presence on the team is invaluable. For one thing, he is an incredible teammate and locker room presence. Secondly, and maybe most importantly, he’s Giannis’ brother.
Every year, for as long as Giannis is playing for the Bucks, the goal should be to win a NBA Championship. If signing Thanasis to a league minimum deal instead of another player who won’t play either is going to help keep Giannis happy in Milwaukee, then it is a small price to pay.
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