The NBA offseason has just been rocked by a stunning move that nobody saw coming. According to league sources, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, the older brother of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, has agreed to a five-year, $34 million deal with the Golden State Warriors. The signing is expected to fill the void left by Kevon Looney, who has been a staple in the Warriors’ frontcourt for nearly a decade. This unexpected acquisition signals a bold new direction for Golden State as they look to retool their roster around their aging core of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.
Thanasis, while not the superstar his younger brother is, has carved out a niche as a high-energy, defensive-minded forward during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks. His relentless hustle, athleticism, and ability to defend multiple positions make him an intriguing fit for Steve Kerr’s system. The Warriors have long valued players who can switch defensively, crash the boards, and play within their motion offense—qualities that Thanasis has shown in flashes throughout his career.
For many, this deal raises eyebrows. Thanasis has never been a major statistical contributor, averaging just 2.6 points and 2.1 rebounds in his NBA career. However, his impact goes beyond the box score. His defensive intensity, locker room presence, and ability to spark momentum with his energy plays have made him a fan favorite in Milwaukee. The Warriors, a team that thrives on chemistry and effort, may see him as the perfect role player to inject new life into their rotation.
The decision to move on from Kevon Looney marks the end of an era in Golden State. Looney, a Warriors lifer since being drafted in 2015, was instrumental in three championship runs, known for his elite rebounding, screen-setting, and underrated defense. However, injuries and declining mobility have lessened his effectiveness, prompting the front office to seek a more dynamic option. At 28 years old, Thanasis is slightly younger than Looney and brings a different athletic profile that could help the Warriors keep pace in an increasingly fast-paced league.
Financially, the deal is a moderate risk. At roughly $6.8 million per year, it’s not an overpay for a bench player, but it’s a significant commitment for someone who hasn’t been a consistent rotation piece. The Warriors, already deep into the luxury tax, are clearly betting on upside and fit rather than proven production. If Thanasis can refine his offensive game—particularly his three-point shooting—this could prove to be a steal. If not, it may go down as an overpay for a player whose last name carries more weight than his game.
One fascinating subplot is the potential ripple effect this could have on Giannis’ future. The Antetokounmpo brothers have always been close, and Giannis has openly spoken about his desire to play alongside Thanasis at some point in his career. While this move doesn’t directly link Giannis to Golden State, it certainly doesn’t hurt the Warriors’ chances of someday luring the Greek Freak to the Bay Area. The NBA is a league where superstar relationships often influence major decisions, and the Warriors are no strangers to big swings.
From a tactical standpoint, Thanasis fits the Warriors’ need for versatile defenders. With Draymond Green getting older and the team lacking athleticism in the frontcourt, Antetokounmpo’s ability to guard wings and bigs alike will be valuable. His offensive game is limited, but in Golden State’s system, he won’t be asked to create much. Instead, he’ll be expected to cut, finish at the rim, and occasionally knock down open shots—a role similar to what players like JaVale McGee and Omri Casspi filled during their Warriors tenures.
The reaction from Warriors fans has been mixed. Some are excited about the energy and defensive intensity Thanasis brings, while others are skeptical about paying a career reserve to replace a proven playoff performer like Looney. However, Golden State’s front office has earned the benefit of the doubt after years of savvy moves. If anyone can unlock Thanasis’ potential, it’s Steve Kerr and his staff.
For the Bucks, losing Thanasis is more of an emotional hit than a basketball one. He was beloved in the locker room and by fans, but his on-court role was always minimal. Milwaukee will likely replace him with another minimum-contract player, as their focus remains on maximizing Giannis’ prime. Still, seeing Antetokounmpo in anything other than a Bucks jersey will be strange for their fanbase.
As for the Warriors, this move signals their willingness to take calculated risks. With Curry, Thompson, and Green not getting any younger, the window for contention remains open but shrinking. Adding a player like Thanasis—someone who can contribute now while also possibly improving—shows that Golden State is thinking both short-term and long-term. If he develops into a reliable rotation piece, this deal will look brilliant. If not, it’s a manageable contract that won’t cripple their flexibility.
Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but one thing is certain: the NBA offseason just got a lot more interesting. Thanasis Antetokounmpo, often overshadowed by his brother, now has the chance to carve out his own legacy with one of the league’s most storied franchises. For the Warriors, it’s another bold move in their never-ending quest to remain at the top of the basketball world.
The 2024-25 season can’t come soon enough.
