Milwaukee Bucks make curious two-year investment in Thanasis Antetokounmpo

The Milwaukee Bucks are in win-now mode and that was on full display when the team retained the services of Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and George Hill. While the Bucks did lose Malcolm Brogdon in free agency, the franchise moved quickly to solidify its rotation with the additions of Wesley Matthews and Robin Lopez, leading to Milwaukee entering the season as one of the favorites to win the 2020 NBA title. However, the Bucks made a curious move that might be more future-facing than anything else, as the team agreed to a two-year pact with Thanasis Antetokounmpo.

Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel brings word that the deal will be for the league's minimum salary but, considering Antetokounmpo's apparent lack of interest on the free agent market, the presence of a multi-year contract is interesting. The link between Thanasis Antetokounmpo and his younger brother, reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, is unavoidable in this instance, particularly when dealing with the reality that the Bucks are trying to secure a future commitment from "The Greek Freak" as he approaches free agency in 2021. 

Because the contract was for the minimum (and Milwaukee is operating over the salary cap), the financial impact of signing Thanasis Antetokounmpo is minimal, outside of the wallet of Bucks' ownership. Still, this is a precious roster spot for a title contender and, while Antetokounmpo is a player that wouldn't look out of place on an NBA floor, it could be questioned as to how valuable his on-court presence would be for a team with lofty aspirations. 

The Bucks should do anything possible to entice Giannis Antetokounmpo into sticking around when he can make a decision on his future, as he is one of the best players in the NBA by any measure. The public can't possibly know what kind of impact signing his brother might have on that pursuit but, if Milwaukee was under the impression it would be an effective tool, it is easy to justify why the contract came to fruition.