Bucks Bolster Roster with Deadline Pickups

Two under-the-radar acquisitions have lifted the Bucks to two big wins leading into the All-Star break.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Milwaukee Bucks made a couple of under-the-radar moves at the trade deadline, acquiring Ousmane Dieng from the Oklahoma City Thunder and signing Cam Thomas after he was waived by the Brooklyn Nets. Both players have already made an impact, helping the Bucks to two big wins heading into the All-Star break.

Why it matters

The Bucks decided to keep their superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, and these deadline additions have provided a boost to their roster as they try to make a longshot play-in push. Dieng and Thomas give the Bucks some much-needed scoring punch and depth as they look to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.

The details

Ousmane Dieng, a 2022 lottery pick, put up 19 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks against his former team, the Thunder, in a 110-93 upset win. Cam Thomas, waived by the Nets last week, contributed 12 points and was +15 in 20 minutes in the Bucks' win over the Magic. The Bucks saw these players as worthwhile flyers, with Dieng still only 22 years old and Thomas providing a scoring boost off the bench.

  • The Bucks made these deadline moves on February 9, 2026.
  • Ousmane Dieng and Cam Thomas made their debuts for the Bucks on February 11, 2026.

The players

Ousmane Dieng

A 22-year-old forward acquired by the Bucks in a three-team trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dieng was the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Cam Thomas

A scoring guard signed by the Bucks after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets. Thomas averaged 24 points per game last season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks' superstar forward who they decided to keep at the trade deadline.

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What they’re saying

“Ousmane Dieng put up 19 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks against his old team in a 110-93 upset win over OKC Thursday.”

— Sean Keane, Sportswriter (Yardbarker)

“Cam Thomas contributed 12 points and was +15 in his 20 minutes.”

— Sean Keane, Sportswriter (Yardbarker)

What’s next

The Bucks will look to continue their momentum heading into the All-Star break and make a push for the playoffs in the second half of the season.

The takeaway

The Bucks' under-the-radar deadline additions of Ousmane Dieng and Cam Thomas have already paid dividends, providing a much-needed boost to the roster as they try to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference playoff race.