Bucks Eye Buyout Market to Bolster Depth After Trade Deadline Shuffle
The 2026 NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and while the Milwaukee Bucks didn’t make a blockbuster move, they did some reshuffling around the edges-and they’re not done yet. With Giannis Antetokounmpo still anchoring the roster and Doc Rivers steering the ship, Milwaukee’s focus now shifts to the buyout market as they look to claw their way back into the Play-In mix.
Let’s break down where the Bucks stand and who could realistically help them as they search for reinforcements.
Bucks Add Youth, Clear Out Vets at the Deadline
At the deadline, Milwaukee moved Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey in a three-team deal. Both players ended up in Phoenix, while the Bucks brought in forward Nigel Hayes-Davis from the Suns and Ousmane Dieng, who landed in Milwaukee via Chicago after starting the year in Oklahoma City.
Hayes-Davis is being waived, but Dieng is a different story. At just 22 years old, he’s a long-term upside play-raw, but with the kind of physical tools that could be molded into a solid bench contributor. For a team that’s been leaning heavily on its veterans, injecting some youth and length into the rotation could pay off down the stretch.
Still, with the departure of Anthony and Coffey, Milwaukee’s depth-particularly in the backcourt and on the wing-took a hit. That’s where the buyout market comes in.
Buyout Market Targets That Make Sense for Milwaukee
Chris Paul
Yes, that Chris Paul. The 12-time All-Star was recently traded to Toronto, and there’s buzz that a buyout could be on the table. If that happens, Milwaukee would be wise to at least make the call.
Paul isn’t the floor general he once was, but in a limited role-say, 12 to 15 minutes a night-he could still bring value. Especially for a Bucks team that just lost Cole Anthony and could use a steady hand to guide the second unit. Milwaukee reportedly had interest in CP3 during the offseason, and while Paul may prioritize joining a title favorite, the Bucks can offer him a defined role and a chance to play meaningful minutes.
At this stage in his career, Paul’s decision may come down to whether he values playing time or proximity to a championship. If it’s the former, Milwaukee could be a real option.
Haywood Highsmith
Highsmith was waived by Brooklyn at the deadline, but he’s nearly ready to return from injury and could be a sneaky-good pickup. He’s known for his tough, switchable defense at the point of attack and has shown enough shooting to keep defenses honest.
With Kyle Kuzma logging heavy minutes and Milwaukee’s wing depth looking thin, Highsmith could be a smart addition. He brings playoff experience and a defensive mindset that fits well with what Doc Rivers wants from his role players. If healthy, he could carve out a role as a glue guy off the bench-something every playoff-hopeful team needs.
Khris Middleton
This one’s a bit more complicated. Middleton, now in Dallas after being part of the Anthony Davis trade, is on a hefty $33.3 million salary.
A buyout would require him to leave some of that money on the table-a tough ask. But if he and the Mavericks decide to part ways, a reunion with the Bucks would make a lot of sense.
Middleton’s connection to Milwaukee runs deep. He was a key piece of the 2021 championship run and remains beloved by fans and former teammates.
If he hits the market, don’t be surprised if the Bucks make a strong push to bring him back. The question is whether Middleton wants to return to familiar ground or chase a title elsewhere.
Honorable Mention: Pat Connaughton
Another familiar face, Connaughton was waived by Charlotte after being traded there from Milwaukee at last year’s deadline. He hasn’t seen much action this season, but he’s a known quantity-a solid shooter, smart cutter, and capable defender who understands the Bucks’ system.
If Milwaukee is looking to round out the bench with a veteran who won’t need time to acclimate, Connaughton could be an easy plug-and-play option.
The Path Forward
The Bucks didn’t swing big at the deadline, but they’ve kept their options open. The buyout market gives them a chance to patch some holes and add experience without giving up assets. With Giannis still in his prime and Doc Rivers trying to stabilize a team that’s been up and down all year, every roster move matters.
Whether it’s a savvy veteran like Chris Paul, a defensive stopper like Highsmith, or a homecoming for Middleton or Connaughton, Milwaukee has a few cards left to play. And if they want to make noise in the postseason-or even just get there-they’ll need to play them wisely.