The Milwaukee Bucks only made one trade at this year's deadline, but it's looking like a massive win. Not only did the Bucks strike gold by acquiring Ousmane Dieng, but the other two teams involved in this transaction, the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls, also seem to be enjoying what they got out of the deal, making it a rare win-win-win for everyone.
Bucks, Suns, and Bulls all loving NBA Trade Deadline deal
It didn't take long at all for Ousmane Dieng to cement himself as one of the biggest steals of trade season. The forward, who was near the bottom of the pecking order with the OKC Thunder, quickly became a full-time starter in Milwaukee. For a team that has lacked size at the forward spot for an eternity, Dieng's arrival has been a gift, and it's only going to keep giving.
After an overhaul at the trade deadline that saw their roster loaded with guards, the Bulls needed to add at least one center. They landed Richards, who had been an afterthought in Phoenix and hasn't disappointed in a larger role. In 13 games, he's averaging 9.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game as a two-way force off the bench.
Phoenix, meanwhile, got financial relief by taking in Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey from the Bucks. While the least exciting portion of the deal, as Anthony was waived and Coffey has been barely in the rotation from the moment he got there, teams will prioritize financial flexibility as much as they can in today's NBA, and the Suns got it.
Everyone wins, but the Bucks stand atop the mountain
Of all of the moving parts in this deal, the Milwaukee Bucks feel like the biggest winners from an on-court perspective. Dieng filled an immediate need at small forward, but he's always been uncovered as a hidden gem who has likely found a new home in Milwaukee. An issue that has lingered over this team for years finally has a solution. It feels like a dream.
As a starter with the Milwaukee Bucks, Dieng is averaging 11.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 40.6 percent from distance. For a Bucks team that has targeted players with specific skill sets, such as perimeter shooting, for years, having a Swiss Army Knife like Dieng has been a refreshing development. Hopefully he's around for the long haul.
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