Following the NBA season, Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has returned to his native Greece and was seen courtside at a Greek League game between Aris Thessaloniki and Panionios on Saturday.
The Aris Thessaloniki fans gave the Greek Freak a heartfelt greeting, singing a song and erecting a banner to welcome the two-time MVP and his family, while also humorously pressing him to join the team.
“Hey Giannis, come on, enough of the NBA already. Come here, my nice man, so we can win a title with Aris,” the message read after translation into English.
Kostas, Giannis’ brother and an ex-NBA center, is now playing for Aris.
The Bucks player attended the game with his close friend and Aris owner, Richard Hsiao, as well as Thanasis, other members of the Antetokounmpo family, and Greek basketball icon Nikos Galis.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks’ tumultuous offseason
Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to Greece following a difficult season with the Bucks, which included trade rumors in the run-up to the February deadline and alleged dispute with the front office over his late-season ailment.
Around the league, a few NBA teams have already been reported as prospective suitors if Milwaukee chooses to participate in trade talks this summer.
The lighthearted chant from Aris supporters provided a brief respite from the stress that characterized Antetokounmpo’s season in Milwaukee. While the idea of joining his brother Kostas in Greece remains a joke, the essential message is obvious: Giannis has other alternatives beyond the Bucks, and his future with the team is far from certain.
The 31-year-old is signed through the 2026-27 season and has a $62. 8 million player option for 2027-28.
