The Milwaukee Bucks made the first move once NBA Free Agency officially opened by signing Ousmane Dieng to a new contract. Per ESPN's Shams Charania, it's a three-year deal worth $17.5 million. With how much wings cost in today's NBA, that's tremendous value for the Bucks, who will look to have the youngster build off his strong finish this past season.
This was a no-brainer signing for Bucks
No one should be surprised. While the Bucks rescinded Dieng's qualifying offer, which would have made him a restricted free agent, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that the Bucks had "significant interest" in re-signing the forward. That offer would have paid him $9.6 million next year. Now, the Bucks lock him up for just about $5.8 million annually. Great value.
Sources: The Milwaukee Bucks declined to tender Ousmane Dieng a qualifying offer, which will make him an unrestricted free agent. Bucks have significant interest in re-signing Dieng in free agency. He averaged 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists last season for Milwaukee. pic.twitter.com/BD13ckM5tW
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 29, 2026
It's only fitting that the Milwaukee Bucks kicked off free agency with a forward. In the aftermath of the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, Milwaukee's roster is filled with guards and centers. This team needed a small forward or two to even things out, and re-signing Dieng gives them that. Now, it's time for the forward to continue his emergence.
Dieng showed signs for Bucks last season
Coming over at last season's trade deadline, it didn't take Dieng long to make himself at home. Playing the largest role of his career—26.8 minutes per game—Dieng put up career highs in many statistical categories, including points, rebounds, assists, and steals. All of that came with the team being very dysfunctional under Doc Rivers. Now, he will look to grow further under Taylor Jenkins.
Having just turned 23 years old, Dieng is still incredibly young. He fits in seamlessly with Milwaukee's new young timeline under Jenkins. Dieng should have an opportunity to grow into a key contributor as the Bucks find their footing in uncharted waters. The question is where he may slot into the mix, given that he could play as a starter or bench piece. He should have a chip on his shoulder either way.
Low-risk flyers like this should define the next several weeks as Milwaukee continues filling out the roster after Giannis' departure. They acquired Dieng last season for Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey, two players who weren't even in the rotation. If they can explore scenarios like that and uncover even more Diengs, this roster will have plenty of hungry hidden gems in due time.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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