With the 2026 NBA trade deadline now passed, the Milwaukee Bucks still have the option to add to their squad via the buyout market. With Giannis Antetokounmpo staying put, meaning the Bucks still need to try to force their way into the postseason this year, a couple veteran additions could help Doc Rivers steer the team back into the Play-In picture.
Feb 4, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks on from the bench during the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Milwaukee Bucks Retool The Bench Via Trade, Could Still Be Active on Buyout Market
The Milwaukee Bucks held onto two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, meaning the 2026 version of the Bucks needs to try to fight back into the playoff picture during the back half of the season. At the trade deadline, the Bucks did deal veterans Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey in a three-team trade, sending their two players to Phoenix in exchange for Suns forward Nigel Hayes-Davis as well as Ousmane Dieng, who comes to Milwaukee via Chicago after starting the season in Oklahoma City.
Nov 1, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Ousmane Dieng (13) walks back into position after a break in play during the second quarter at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Murphy-Imagn Images
Although Hayes-Davis is being waived, Dieng is just 22 years old and has the chance to grow into a strong bench player. Could general manager Jon Horst be looking to add another veteran to the team via the buyout market?
Realistic Fits for the Milwaukee Bucks via the Buyout Market
#1 – Chris Paul
The Milwaukee Bucks are now missing Cole Anthony from their backcourt depth chart. With former Clippers guard Chris Paul having been dealt to Toronto, it’s possible that the Raptors could work out a buyout with the 12-time All-Star in his last NBA season.
Nov 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Bucks were reportedly interested in Paul during the offseason. While CP3 might be more interested in a contender, the Bucks can offer him a 12-15 minute-per game role that Anthony had been diminished to in recent weeks. It remains to be seen if Paul would prefer playing time or a real shot at a title this season, but Milwaukee could likely offer the former.
#2 – Haywood Highsmith
The former Nets forward was waived by Brooklyn at the deadline. Known for his tough point-of-attack defense and adequate shooting, Highsmith has yet to play this season due to injury but is close to being fit to return to action. He could ably back up Kyle Kuzma and provide more defense and rebounding that most of the team’s other bench options. The Bucks could use wing depth that has playoff experience to help out on both ends.
#3 – Khris Middleton
The move would seem almost too obvious for Middleton if Dallas did decide to cut ties with the forward that they acquired from Washington as part of the Anthony Davis deal. However, being on a $33.3 million salary means that he would have to sacrifice some of that money if he were to be bought out. Middleton may want to stay put for that reason. There’s also a world where Dallas would like to keep him around as an impactful veteran for the rest of the season as they turn the roster over around Cooper Flagg.
Dec 31, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Washington Wizards forward Khris Middleton (22) backs down Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
If Middleton were to hit the market, he could be keen on returning to Milwaukee. The move would certainly please fans and former teammates alike. There’s also a world where Middleton would prefer to join a playoff team that is pushing for a title this season.
Honorable Mention – Pat Connaughton
Former Bucks forward Pat Connaughton was waived by Charlotte at the 2026 deadline after he was sent to the Hornets from Milwaukee at the 2025 deadline. Although he’s scarcely played this year, Connaughton is still an option off the bench for a team wanting an experienced shooter.
Nov 7, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Pat Connaughton (21) drives to the basket against Miami Heat forward Simone Fontecchio (0) during the second quarter of an NBA Cup game at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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