The main highlight for the Milwaukee Bucks during the trade deadline was their decision not to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo. Two recent acquisitions have helped the team secure significant wins as they head into the All-Star break.
Ousmane Dieng, brought in through a three-team trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, scored 19 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and blocked four shots in a 110-93 victory over his former team on Thursday. Cam Thomas, who was released by the Brooklyn Nets last week, added 12 points and finished with a +15 rating in 20 minutes on the court.
Milwaukee Bucks took interesting, inexpensive flyers on young talent
After deciding to keep their star player, the Bucks made the most of their limited resources by adding promising talent. They traded for Dieng, a skilled 2022 lottery pick who struggled to find playing time in Oklahoma City due to injuries and the presence of other young players on a team aiming for the championship. At just 22 years old, he represents a worthwhile investment for the price of backups Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey.
Despite not obtaining playing time over Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Jalen Williams, Dieng’s skill set remains impressive. He has shown glimpses of the athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive skills that led to him being the No. 11 pick in 2022, but he faced challenges in a team focused on winning now rather than developing young talent.
On Thursday, he demonstrated to his former team what they were missing.