The Milwaukee Bucks have declined to tender Ousmane Dieng a qualifying offer, which was worth about $9 million. Essentially, had they not done that, that's what his salary would have been for the 2026-27 season. While it might look like the Bucks don't value him, as he is now a free agent, it's actually the opposite. Per Michael Scotto, Milwaukee still has "significant" interest in keeping him.
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
Bucks likely to hand Dieng a new deal
Why would the Bucks just not aim to keep Dieng at that $9 million figure? Likely, they will try to bring him back on a cheaper—though longer—deal. The exact financial figures are anyone's guess, but if the Bucks could get him on something like $5 to $7 million annually over the next three years, they'd likely consider that a win.
The Bucks have pulled this maneuver before. Just last offseason, the Bucks rescinded Ryan Rollins' qualifying offer that was worth about $2.6 million, which was needed to make the Myles Turner deal work. They then handed him a three-year deal worth $12 million. It was smart, as they now have Rollins on the books for multiple years rather than bracing for him to enter free agency right now.
Dieng is worth another look
While Milwaukee's season was crashing and burning, Dieng was often giving Bucks fans at least a small glimmer of something positive. After coming over at the trade deadline from OKC, Dieng took advantage of the biggest opportunity of his NBA career and flexed undeniable potential with plenty of highlight-reel-worthy plays. There is plenty more to unearth there.
Having just turned 23, Dieng is still young. He fits in perfectly with Milwaukee's new timeline that must focus on youth after trading Giannis Antetokounmpo. The forward took strides under Doc Rivers, and he should only grow further under a player development extrordinare in Taylor Jenkins if the Bucks do indeed bring him back.
Milwaukee's small forward rotation is among the most interesting parts of their roster. If they do keep Dieng, they will have him, Taurean Prince, Nate Ament, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. Those are four players who could start for the Milwaukee Bucks on day one next season, making this group one of the most uncertain parts of this entire team. It will be fascinating to watch it all play out.
It's not official yet, but the Milwaukee Bucks will likely bring Dieng back. They should. A cheap pickup at the trade deadline looks like he could be a legitimate player.
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