Milwaukee Bucks forward Ousmane Dieng is expected to re-enter the starting lineup for Wednesday’s game against the Boston Celtics, according to team sources. The move comes after a series of trades involving the Bucks, Chicago Bulls, and Charlotte Hornets culminated in Dieng landing in Milwaukee on February 5, 2026.
The Bucks initially engaged with the Phoenix Suns in a trade, but the deal was reworked at the last minute. Instead of heading to Milwaukee, big man Nick Richards will now join the Chicago Bulls. Dieng, who previously played for the Oklahoma City Thunder, will fill the void. The trade retains Nigel Hayes-Davis, Cole Anthony, and Amir Coffey for Milwaukee.
Dieng, 22, was originally drafted 11th overall in the 2022 NBA draft by the New York Knicks before being immediately traded to the Thunder. During his time in Oklahoma City, spanning three and a half years, he averaged 4.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 12.0 minutes per game, shooting 42% from the field, 31% from three-point range, and 75% from the free-throw line. He won an NBA Championship with the Thunder during the 2024-25 season.
Prior to joining the NBA, Dieng played for Centre Fédéral in France and the New Zealand Breakers. He is a 6’9” forward known for his defensive activity and rim protection, grading out in the 63rd percentile as a rim protector this season, according to BBall Index. He is currently shooting a career-high 36.7% from three-point range.
The acquisition of Dieng addresses a noted weakness for the Bucks – a lack of size and quality play on the wing. While his exact impact remains to be seen, Dieng is expected to contribute as a two/three combo player. He was scouted as a jumbo ball handler coming out of the draft, a skill he has yet to fully develop in the NBA.
Dieng’s father, Ababacar, is a former professional basketball player in France, originally from Senegal. Ousmane Dieng grew up in Lot-et-Garonne in southwestern France and attended the national athletics boarding school INSEP in Paris.
The Bucks have not commented on the specific reasoning behind the shift in the trade or the immediate plans for Dieng’s role beyond Wednesday’s game. The team is scheduled to hold a practice on Tuesday afternoon, where Coach Doc Rivers is expected to address the media.
