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Thanasis Antetokounmpo Picks Up Player Option to Stay w/ Bucks

By Paul Bretl

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 01: Thanasis Antetokounmpo #43 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against the LA Clippers during the second half at Fiserv Forum on April 01, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 01: Thanasis Antetokounmpo #43 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against the LA Clippers during the second half at Fiserv Forum on April 01, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but Milwaukee Bucks forward, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, has picked up his player option for the 2022-2023 season, according to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype.

Last offseason, Antetkounmpo signed a two-year deal with the Bucks worth $3.6 million altogether–all of which was guaranteed, according to Spotrac.

Thanasis earned $1.729 million this past year, and after picking up his player option, he will earn $1.88 million this season. Had he turned the player option down, Antetokounmpo would have hit free agency, but now that won’t take place until the 2023 offseason.

Antetokounmpo just finished his third season with the Bucks, appearing in 48 games, including six starts, and averaging 9.9 minutes per contest–although that figure is likely a little inflated by those starts.

Offensively, he averaged 3.6 points per game on 2.7 attempts and 54.7% from the field, along with 2.1 rebounds. On both ends of the court, Antetkounmpo has a motor that won’t quit and that shows up particularly on the defensive end–however, he is very much prone to fouls.

During his three-year career in Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo is averaging 3.1 points per contest with 2.0 rebounds and nearly 1.0 assist over 125 appearances.

That same energy that we see from Thanasis when he is on the court can still be seen from the sidelines as well–not to mention that he is, of course, always there to support his brother, Giannis Antetkounmpo.

Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton also have player options in their contracts that still have to be decided on. Portis is expected to opt-out and cash in on what has been two impressive seasons in Milwaukee–although he could still certainly return to the Bucks if the price is right.

Connaughton may choose to opt-out as well after an impressive season of his own, where he hit almost 40% of his 3-point attempts and averaged 9.9 points per game. However, if that is the case, the Bucks do have Bird Rights that they can leverage in a new deal.

Finding a way to retain both Portis and Connaughton this offseason feels like a must for the Milwaukee Bucks. The NBA Draft is right around the corner as well, with the Bucks holding the 24th overall selection.

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