"AI generated shenanigans" - NBA fans react to fake $1 Billion offer for Thanasis Antetokounmpo from Saudi Arabia's club fooling Facebook users

Over the past year, NBA parody accounts have become a big influence on social media. One recent post regarding an Antetokounmpo brother sent fans into a tailspin.

In the post that appeared on Facebook, an alleged basketball club in Saudi Arabia offered Thanasis Antetokounmpo a one billion dollar contract over five years. They cited the former champion as a player on the brink of "breaking out" into a star. The post also mentioned that Thanasis could attempt to lure his brother Giannis Antetokounmpo to the club in the future.

Fake post about Thanasis Antetokounmpo

NBA fans quickly put together that this was a fake report and that Thanasis wasn't offered this massive deal. However, some were initially fooled by the post.

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Thanasis, 32, still finds himself on the free-agent market. He's spent the last five seasons playing on the Milwaukee Bucks but didn't land a new contract this summer.

Aside from basketball, Thanasis has followed suit with a handful of other current and former players by breaking into the podcast world. He hosts his own show, "Thanalysis," where he brings on a variety of guests.

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One NBA team interested in bringing back Thanasis Antetokounmpo

One reason why Thanasis doesn't find himself on an NBA roster is because he is recovering from injury. Back in May, he suffered an Achilles injury that will likely sideline him for the 2025 campaign. Despite this, one team still has reported interest in signing him.

A few weeks ago, rumors surfaced that the Milwaukee Bucks have made young forward MarJon Beauchamp available in trade talks. In the event they are able to open up a roster spot, the front office could sign Thanasis to a new deal.

The Bucks are aware that Thanasis is still recovering from injury, but view him as a valuable piece to their locker room.

Right now, the Bucks are in desperate need of some kind of change. Through the opening weeks of the season, Milwaukee has one of the NBA's worst records at 1-6.

In terms of on-court production, Thanasis doesn't provide much. That said, his value stems from the energy he brings behind the scenes. Also, Giannis Antetokounmpo has repeatedly said how important it is for him to have his brother by his side.

For now, all Thanasis can do is wait and see if an opportunity arises to keep his NBA career alive.