The Milwaukee Bucks were heavily predicted to trade away ten-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of the NBA trade deadline last week. Obviously, they did not, and he remains on their roster though he is still working his way back from yet another calf injury that has kept him out for the past couple of weeks.
Instead, the Bucks traded away Amir Coffey and Cole Anthony to the Phoenix Suns. By working the Chicago Bulls into the deal, they landed NBA Champion Ousmane Dieng. A few days later, they claimed guard Cam Thomas off of waivers from the Brooklyn Nets.
Both players made their team debuts for Milwaukee in their loss to the Orlando Magic earlier this week. Neither played much, but Bucks general manager Jon Horst sees big things on the horizon for them.
Milwaukee Bucks GM Jon Horst has high expectations for Ousmane Dieng and Cam Thomas
Feb 9, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) shoots against Milwaukee Bucks guard Cam Thomas (24) during the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
At 21-30, the Bucks have not had the season many thought or hoped they would. However, their additions at the NBA trade deadline are an indication that they have not given up on the season.
While speaking on a Bucks radio show, Horst explained his thinking behind adding both Dieng and Thomas. On Dieng, who won an NBA title with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Horst said:
“We love the youth and the upside that he brings to use with the size and the skill and the versatility”
A former number 11 overall pick, Dieng is still just 22 years old. His is the kind of talent that Milwaukee needs on their roster in order to develop. The six-foot-nine forward is shooting a career-best 36% from three this season.
On Thomas, Horst said:
“I think has some real future upside for our organization as well as a very impactful, playable skill set that will help us the rest of this season.”
It is no secret that the Bucks have had their eye on Thomas for several years now. What is interesting, though, is that Horst’s words here seem to indicate that they would like to retain him beyond just the rest of this season. They will have the salary cap space to do so in the offseason should they extend him a multi-year offer.
At the time of his being waived by Brooklyn, Thomas was averaging 15.6 points and shooting 40/33/84 from the field. From 2023-2025, though, he averaged 22.9 points per game and shot 44/36/86 from the floor.
If he can return to form in Milwaukee, he would be a great co-star to Giannis.
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