Thanasis Antetokounmpo's agent says Knicks want to sign him

With his younger brother emerging as one of the league's most exciting young stars, Thanasis Antetokounmpo could be set to put another member of the family on the up-and-comers list.

A second-round pick of the New York Knicks in 2014, the elder Antetokounmpo spent a second consecutive season in the D-League this year, looking to mold his raw tools and impressive frame into on-court production. While Giannis was a Most Improved Player candidate with the Milwaukee Bucks, Thanasis's development with the Westchester Knicks was somewhat more subtle.

But it's not only numbers that NBA teams look for in a prospect's development, and it's the 22-year-old Thanasis's attitude and work ethic that could see him playing at Madison Square Garden in 2015-16.

Thanasis's agent told ESPN New York recently that the parent club has made overtures about bringing the Greek aboard for next season, with ESPN reporting that the Knicks are "enamored" by his size, athleticism and attitude. If the Knicks don't sign him sometime after summer league, Thanasis could head overseas:

Antetokounmpo's agent, Tim Lotsos, told ESPN.com in a phone interview last week that Antetokounmpo's "first goal" is to come back to the Knicks. But he's also looking for an NBA contract. So the Knicks will have to decide if they want to give him a roster spot on next season’s team.

New York can also offer him a tender and retain his rights for next season, but Antetokounmpo could then choose to play overseas rather than play another season for low wages in the D-League.

Lotsos said the Knicks have indicated that they want to sign Antetokounmpo to an NBA contract and give him a spot on the roster.

After being selected 51st overall in June, Thanasis opted for a $25,000 D-League salary rather than a two-year, $550,000 deal in Greece. That's a calculated risk to be closer to the parent club and under their tutelage by playing for their exclusive affiliate. He saw a small uptick in his numbers in that situation, averaging 13.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.6 blocks while shooting 46 percent from the floor.

The Knicks are set for a tumultuous offseason that could have plenty of roster turnover. Signing a young, developing, athletic, hardworking rookie for the end of the bench certainly doesn't seem like the worst way to fill one of the team's final roster spots.