The Bucks Are Definitely Feeling The Pressure Of A Potential Giannis Trade Demand After Deciding To Also Sign His Younger Brother Contract

Jesse D. Garrabrant. Getty Images.

While fanbases across the league are mostly filled with excitement as we enter the new NBA season, I imagine for Bucks fans, things are a little tense. Not only does their actual roster have some legit questions/issues heading into the new year, but it's impossible to ignore the gigantic elephant in the room, which is of course the future of Giannis.

Even if you think Shams has a weird obsession with speaking a Giannis trade into existence just so that his initial reporting can be correct, there's no denying that Giannis himself has certainly done his part to add fuel to the fire

Maybe he's laying the early groundwork, maybe he's just trying to continue to put pressure on the front office to not get complacent because deep down he knows the current roster might not be good enough, only Giannis knows for sure.

But one thing we do know is the Bucks are clearly nervous about what might be headed their way. It's probably why they made sure to bring in Giannis' brother Thanasis this offseason. It's not like he's all that impactful of an NBA player, but if it keeps Giannis happy and in MIL, then it's money and a roster spot well spent. Plus he's a vibes guy, which never hurts to have.

Given those comments above from the other week about Giannis potentially changing his mind in 6 or 7 months, it's not a surprise that the Bucks have decided to take things a step further in their effort to make sure Giannis is happy and doesn't ask out

Can Alex Antetokounmpo play? We're talking abotu a Two Way deal so I'm not even really sure it matters. But what does matter is that while on a Two Way, all three brothers can be on the 15 man roster for stretches, while Alex has NBA days available. it's a low risk move that if you're in the Bucks position, is a no brainer decision. They need to be in the business of doing everything and anything to keep Giannis happy. If that means signing his two bothers, you do it. If that means giving him a fugazi tree deal to circumvent the salary cap, you do it. Whatever it takes, the Bucks should be doing.

Because you have to remember, this is a team and a roster that is depending on Kyle Kuzma. Kevin Porter Jr is their starting point guard. There's a chance things look ROUGH in what is a pretty significant season for the Bucks given how wide open the East is. The best way to distract Giannis from that reality? Keep him happy with his family around. 

If there wasn't this potential for a Giannis trade, would both of his brothers be on the roster? Is that truly the best way to round out your roster if we're talking strictly from a talent perspective? Part of me feels like neither player would be on the Bucks right now if the team wasn't even the tiniest bit concerned about a potential Giannis trade demand. 

I get why the Bucks are going this route, and honestly they'd be stupid not to at least check off this box. Imagine if they didn't and something like that could have kept Giannis a Buck moving forward? That would be one of the biggest fumbles in NBA history. It'd be like when the Magic lost out on Tim Duncan in free agency because Doc Rivers wouldn't let his wife fly on the team plane.

When we're talking about the best players on earth, you give them what they want. For the Bucks, that means signing Giannis' brothers to the team even if there's a very very small chance either guy impacts the actual basketball team.