Bucks’ big moves for Giannis Antetokounmpo's family won’t decide his future, says Shams Charania 3 Alex Antetokounmpo, middle, teamed with older brothers Giannis and Thanasis for the 2022 NBA All-Star Skills Challenge in Cleveland. Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports

'You are kidding yourself': Analyst blasts Bucks signing Alex Antetokounmpo

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Nathan Yasis | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 10:58 AM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks added Alex Antetokounmpo to a two-way contract for one obvious reason, his family name. The front office has shown it will go to great lengths to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo content, and bringing in another Antetokounmpo takes that effort to an extreme level. By NBA standards, the move borders on desperate.

That is exactly how Zach Lowe sees the latest Antetokounmpo signing, a topic he discussed on the Zach Lowe Show podcast earlier this week.

“If you don’t think this is a sign of total desperation on the part of the Bucks, I’m sorry to say, you are kidding yourself. They know this is a big season, they know that Gianns has a wandering eye,” Lowe said.

Jamaree Bouyea, the two-way player waived to make room, was never expected to contribute significantly. Bringing in Alex Antetokounmpo shifts the focus more on potential and family ties than immediate on-court impact. His addition likely won’t alter the Bucks’ rotation, but it reinforces the franchise’s effort to keep Giannis engaged, as Lowe noted.

Bucks desperation for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) pauses before the start of a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

“They made a desperate move with Damian Lillard to Myles Turner, which I think will work out for them, but they’re running out of big bullets to change this team,” the NBA analyst continued.

Although some criticized the Bucks for re-signing Thanasis, not every Antetokounmpo signing is the same. Thanasis has actual NBA experience and contributed to the 2021 championship team. While his on-court minutes may be limited, he provides energy, lifts morale, and acts as a strong presence in the locker room.

Feb 19, 2022; Cleveland, OH, USA; Team Antetokounmpo player Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Team Antetokounmpo player Alex Antetokounmpo (29) participate in the Taco Bell Skills Challenge against Team Rooks and Team Cavs during the 2022 NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Rocket Mortgage Field House. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Alex has built a basketball career overseas and in the G League, including stints with the Wisconsin Herd from 2022 to 2024, but he has yet to secure a spot on an NBA 15-man roster and likely won’t. His role is largely defined by being Giannis’ brother rather than on-court impact.

Viewed as another move to appease Giannis, Alex Antetokounmpo’s addition comes across as a final effort. The Bucks’ management is pushing every boundary to keep Giannis in Milwaukee for as long as possible.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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