Thanasis Antetokounmpo Leaves NBA to Sign with Greek Club Aris After Giannis’s Bucks Exit

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The 34-year-old has agreed to a two-year deal with Aris that includes a team option for a third season. The move marks a definitive shift for the veteran, who spent the bulk of his American career sharing an organization with his younger brother, Giannis Antetokounmpo. That sibling partnership dissolved this offseason when the Milwaukee Bucks traded Giannis to the Miami Heat.

A Journey Across Two Continents

Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s path to the NBA began in 2013 when the Delaware 87ers—then part of the NBA Developmental League—selected him. The New York Knicks drafted him the following year with the No. 51 overall pick. After appearing in a pair of regular-season games for New York during the 2015-16 season, he spent three years playing overseas in Spain and Greece before returning to the United States in July 2019 to join the Bucks.

During his seven years in Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo won an NBA championship during the 2020-21 campaign. His recent playing time was interrupted by a torn Achilles that forced him to miss the entire 2024-25 season. He returned to the floor for the 2025-26 season, appearing in 34 games off the bench and averaging 1.4 points per contest.

The Greek Basketball League Landscape

By joining Aris B.C., Antetokounmpo steps into a competitive environment. Known as “The Emperor”, Aris finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 14-10 record, securing a playoff berth before falling to AEK in the quarterfinals.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo Leaves NBA to Sign with Greek Club Aris After Giannis's Bucks Exit
Photo: bleacherreport.com

The addition of a seasoned NBA champion gives Aris a boost in experience as the club prepares for the upcoming domestic campaign and potential European competition.

Next Steps for Aris B.C.

Aris B.C. officials have not yet announced an official introductory press conference date for Antetokounmpo, but the team’s preparations for the new season continue with the veteran factored into their core rotation. Fans can follow official club updates through the Greek Basketball League portal as the schedule for the upcoming season is finalized.

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Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.

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