The Milwaukee Bucks have shaken up their roster ahead of the trade deadline, orchestrating a multi-team deal that ultimately involved the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls. Here’s how it all breaks down - and what it means moving forward.
The Core Deal
Milwaukee is sending guards Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey to the Phoenix Suns. In return, the Bucks are acquiring forward Ousmane Dieng, while center Nick Richards - initially headed to Milwaukee - is being rerouted to the Chicago Bulls. Nigel Hayes-Davis, who was also originally part of the Phoenix-to-Milwaukee package, will land with the Bucks as well.
It’s a bit of a chessboard shuffle, but the key takeaway for Milwaukee is this: they’re adding size and versatility to a roster that’s clearly being retooled around Giannis Antetokounmpo, who, according to league sources, is not expected to be moved before the deadline.
Breaking Down the Moves
Let’s start with Cole Anthony. The Bucks picked him up in the offseason after he reached a buyout with Memphis.
The former North Carolina standout gave Milwaukee some scoring punch off the bench, averaging 6.7 points per game on 42.4% shooting in 35 appearances. But with the Bucks in need of frontcourt depth and more defensive presence, Anthony became a movable piece.
Amir Coffey, meanwhile, played a limited role after signing a one-year deal in the summer. He logged 8.8 minutes per game and averaged 2.4 points across 30 contests. His departure won’t dramatically alter Milwaukee’s rotation, but it does open up flexibility.
Nick Richards, a 7-footer with starting experience, had fallen out of the Suns’ rotation this season. Despite starting 34 games last year, he hadn’t seen the floor since mid-January. Chicago will now take a look at him, hoping to tap into the potential he showed during stretches of last season.
As for Nigel Hayes-Davis, this marks a full-circle moment. After spending seven years overseas, he returned to the NBA with Phoenix this season. His impact has been modest - 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds per game in 27 appearances - but his physicality and international experience could give Milwaukee a different look off the bench.
Ousmane Dieng is perhaps the most intriguing piece in this shuffle. The 6-foot-9 forward was originally moved from Oklahoma City to Charlotte, and then to Chicago, before landing in Milwaukee.
He’s averaged 4.2 points per game over four seasons and brings length, switchability, and some untapped upside. For a Bucks team that’s looking to get younger and more versatile around Giannis, Dieng fits the profile.
Cap Implications for Phoenix
Phoenix, meanwhile, gets a bit of financial breathing room. The Suns are now $2.2 million below the luxury tax threshold, which gives them the flexibility to add a 15th player. This is the first time they’ve been under the tax line since the 2021-22 season - a notable development for a franchise that’s been aggressive in chasing contention.
What’s Next for Milwaukee?
The Bucks have made it clear to other teams: Giannis isn’t going anywhere. That’s the headline.
But beyond that, Milwaukee is clearly in the market to reshape its supporting cast. This deal adds depth, length, and a bit of financial maneuverability.
It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s a strategic pivot - and possibly the first of a few moves to come as the deadline approaches.
For now, the Bucks are betting on a new mix of role players to complement their superstar. And with the East as competitive as ever, every tweak matters.