Thanasis Antetokounmpo is leaving the Milwaukee Bucks and returning to Greece for the next stage of his professional career.
ARIS Thessaloniki officially announced that it signed Antetokounmpo to a two-year contract containing a team option for a third season. The agreement brings his seven-season run with Milwaukee to an end.
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The 34-year-old forward joined the Bucks in 2019 and appeared in 255 games for the franchise. Although he never held a major role in Milwaukee’s rotation, Antetokounmpo became one of the team’s most recognizable and respected locker-room figures.
He was also part of the Bucks team that won the 2021 NBA championship, giving him a permanent place in franchise history.
Antetokounmpo Returns Home
Antetokounmpo began his professional career with Filathlitikos in Greece before moving to the United States and playing in the NBA Development League.
The New York Knicks selected him with the No. 51 pick in the 2014 NBA draft. He made two appearances for New York before returning to Europe, where he played for Andorra in Spain and Panathinaikos in Greece.
Apr 10, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forwardThanasisAntetokounmpo(43) during warmups prior to the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Antetokounmpo won consecutive Greek league championships with Panathinaikos before earning another NBA opportunity with Milwaukee. His energy, defense and willingness to embrace a limited role helped him remain with the Bucks for seven seasons.
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His return to Greece is therefore not a retirement move. Antetokounmpo will join an ARIS club competing domestically and in the EuroCup while continuing to represent the Greek national team during qualification for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Bucks Lose an Important Locker-Room Presence
Antetokounmpo’s departure is unlikely to dramatically change Milwaukee’s on-court rotation. His impact extended beyond playing time, however.
He supplied consistent energy from the bench, supported younger players and became one of the organization’s strongest cultural voices. He also shared the roster with his younger brothers Giannis and Alex Antetokounmpo during the 2025-26 season.
Apr 12, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) reacts with Milwaukee Bucks forwardThanasisAntetokounmpo(43) in the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The move naturally creates questions about how Giannis will respond to his brother’s departure, but it should not automatically be viewed as evidence of another major change. Thanasis has an opportunity to play a larger role in Greece while entering the final stage of his career.
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For ARIS, the signing adds an experienced forward with NBA athleticism, defensive versatility and championship experience. Antetokounmpo also brings familiarity with Greek basketball and should immediately become one of the club’s veteran leaders.
His NBA career was never defined by statistics. It was defined by energy, professionalism and his connection to one of the most successful eras in Bucks history.
Now, Antetokounmpo will attempt to close his playing career where it began: in Greece.
