Bucks' Ousmane Dieng Breakout Highlights Pelicans' Trade Deadline Oversight

The 22-year-old forward's early success in Milwaukee is a reminder of the buy-low opportunity the Pelicans missed at the NBA trade deadline.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Milwaukee Bucks have found a breakout wing in Ousmane Dieng, the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft who was traded multiple times before landing with the Bucks. Dieng's early production is a reminder of the buy-low opportunity the New Orleans Pelicans missed at the trade deadline, as they struggle with floor spacing and size in the frontcourt.

Why it matters

The Pelicans have struggled with floor spacing and size all season, making them an ideal landing spot for a player like Dieng who provides elite shooting at 6-foot-9. Acquiring Dieng could have helped address some of New Orleans' key roster needs as they look to build around Zion Williamson and Derik Queen.

The details

In his first two games with significant minutes for the Bucks, Dieng has scored 17 and 19 points respectively, while also grabbing rebounds and hitting multiple 3-pointers. His combination of size, age, and shooting ability make him an intriguing prospect that the Pelicans could have targeted at the trade deadline, when he was traded by three different teams.

  • Dieng was the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft.
  • Dieng was traded by the Thunder to the Hornets, then from the Hornets to the Bulls, and finally from the Bulls to the Bucks during the 2023 NBA trade deadline.

The players

Ousmane Dieng

A 22-year-old forward who was the 11th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft and has found early success with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Zion Williamson

The star forward for the New Orleans Pelicans who, along with rookie Derik Queen, makes up an undersized frontcourt that could have benefited from Dieng's size and shooting ability.

Derik Queen

The Pelicans' 6-foot-9 rookie forward who, along with Zion Williamson, makes up an undersized frontcourt that could have benefited from Dieng's size and shooting ability.

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What’s next

The Pelicans will look to address their frontcourt and shooting needs in the offseason, potentially targeting players similar to Ousmane Dieng who can provide size and floor spacing.

The takeaway

The Pelicans' inability to acquire Ousmane Dieng at the trade deadline is a missed opportunity to add a young, versatile player who could have helped address their roster needs. Dieng's early success in Milwaukee is a reminder that buy-low options like him can pay dividends for teams willing to take a chance.