The Milwaukee Bucks were linked to countless big names leading up to the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline. From Ja Morant to Zach LaVine to Anthony Davis, all players connected to the team in some form or fashion during trade season, Milwaukee was setting themselves up to bring in a big name. Yet, they did just the opposite, and it may actually benefit them in the long run.
Bucks abandon pursuit of stars, land low-cost impact pieces
Milwaukee's lone trade addition was Ousmane Dieng, the former 11th overall pick of the defending champion OKC Thunder. While an intriguing flyer, he certainly wasn't a big name after spending most of his time on OKC's bench. Meanwhile, they picked up Cam Thomas off the buyout market, who is far more of a recognizable name, but no one said the Bucks were getting a star.
These were viewed as two fine moves, but they've seemingly given the team new life in the few short days they've both been in town. In fact, over Milwaukee's last two games, Dieng and Thomas are the team's leading scorers in terms of points per game. After being discarded by the Thunder and the Brooklyn Nets, the two have been exceptional.
After barely playing in his debut, Dieng has been electric in his last two appearances, averaging a line of 18 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. He's been phenomenal, giving the team a massive jolt on both ends with his length, shot-making, and shot-blocking instincts. Suddenly, he's also an option to solve Milwaukee's long-standing small forward predicament.
Thomas hasn't been to shabby, either. Over his last two, he's putting up 23 points while shooting over 51 percent from the floor. A bulk of that came from Milwaukee's recent win over the Orlando Magic, a game in which he poured in 34 points off the bench. The Bucks have struggled to score the ball all year long, and now, they have a pure bucket-getter who can help lessen those glaring woes.
Could a star player have had this type of impact? Maybe. However, all of the targets the Bucks were looking at had major concerns, largely in the form of an injury history and massive financial burdens. Dieng and Thomas don't bring those things. They're two low-cost youngsters who have immediately bought into their roles and are making an impact.
Milwaukee has a history of going all-in on star players, but moves for Dieng and Thomas are perfect examples that sometimes, less is unquestionably more.
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