The Thunder’s injury mess has pushed them toward the trade market, and one familiar name could wind up back in Oklahoma City if they can wait long enough.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on The Hoop Collective that it wouldn’t be surprising if OKC went after one of its former players, and Milwaukee Bucks forward Ousmane Dieng fits that idea neatly. The catch is timing: Dieng won’t be trade-eligible until December.
That delay matters because the Thunder are dealing with three starters lost to long-term injuries. With Jalen Williams potentially out for the entire season, OKC has a real need for help on the wing and in the frontcourt. Dieng, who spent three-and-a-half years in OKC’s system before being moved to Milwaukee at last season’s NBA Trade Deadline, would give them another forward option and a player who already knows most of the coaches and players in the organization.
If Dieng did come back, the Thunder would be getting a more polished version of the player they once had. He got off to a strong start after arriving in Milwaukee last season, showing noticeable growth as a scorer, rebounder and passer. Those are exactly the areas OKC could use right now.
The price tag also sounds manageable. Dieng is set to make $5.8 million this season, and the Thunder have enough trade exceptions to absorb that number without much trouble.
If they put together an offer built around second-round pick compensation, Milwaukee would likely at least consider it. The bigger question is whether Oklahoma City can afford to sit tight for about another month.
Milwaukee’s own situation could help make a deal easier. Dieng was expected to be a key part of the Bucks’ rotation, but he has slid out of favor this season, with Nate Ament’s sudden rise squeezing his role. As long as the rookie is on the floor, there isn’t much room for Dieng, and the Bucks could decide that adding draft capital makes more sense than keeping him.
For now, OKC has the leverage and the urgency. The team is expected to make moves, especially after backing out of signing Ochai Agbaji, but there’s no telling exactly what direction it will take.
A reunion with Dieng would make sense, though he’s not the only possible answer. Ty Jerome and Jerami Grant are also mentioned as players who could give the franchise a lift.
Time will tell how the Thunder choose to handle it.
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