Nick Richards Makes a Statement in Bulls Debut as Bucks’ Trade Raises Eyebrows
Just days ago, Nick Richards was supposed to be headed to Milwaukee. But in a late twist at the trade deadline, the Bucks rerouted the 7-footer to Chicago and brought in Ousmane Dieng instead. It’s too early to call winners and losers, but if Richards’ first game in a Bulls uniform is any indication, the Bucks may have let something valuable slip through their fingers.
Richards Wastes No Time Making an Impact
Fresh off the trade and barely settled into his new city, Richards stepped onto the court Saturday night against the defending champion Denver Nuggets and didn’t miss a beat. In just 19 minutes - his second-highest total of the season - he poured in 15 points, grabbed seven boards, and added a block and a steal for good measure. He was efficient, too, going 5-of-8 from the field and even knocking down a three-pointer.
It wasn’t just the numbers - it was the energy. Richards looked like a player seizing a rare opportunity, thriving in a system that gave him room to operate. And for a Bulls team that’s suddenly guard-heavy after the deadline, his size and activity in the paint were exactly what they needed.
Dieng’s Quiet Start in Milwaukee
On the other side of this trade shuffle, Ousmane Dieng didn’t log a single minute in his Bucks debut - even with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kyle Kuzma both sidelined. That doesn’t necessarily mean much in the short term.
New players often need time to get up to speed with schemes and rotations. But it does raise questions about how exactly Dieng fits into this Milwaukee roster, especially once the team is back at full strength.
The Bucks already have a crowded frontcourt with Myles Turner, Bobby Portis, and Jericho Sims. Adding another big - especially one still developing like Dieng - could complicate the rotation. And while Dieng is just 20 years old with plenty of theoretical upside, potential doesn’t help much if he’s glued to the bench during a playoff push.
Fit Over Flash?
There’s a strong case to be made that Richards simply fits better in Chicago than he ever would have in Milwaukee. The Bulls were in desperate need of frontcourt help after loading up on guards at the deadline. Richards gives them rim protection, rebounding, and a physical presence inside - all things they were lacking.
Milwaukee, meanwhile, didn’t necessarily need another traditional center. They needed flexibility, shooting, and perimeter defense. Dieng might check some of those boxes down the line, but right now, it’s unclear where he fits.
No Picks, No Problem?
What might sting the most for Bucks fans isn’t the player swap - it’s the lack of any draft compensation. Milwaukee essentially helped Phoenix avoid the luxury tax by taking on Richards and Nigel Hayes-Davis, then flipped Richards to Chicago without getting even a second-rounder in return.
For a team with an already thin asset cupboard, that’s a tough pill to swallow. Even a late pick could’ve added some future flexibility. Instead, they helped a conference rival shore up a roster hole while adding a player who may not see meaningful minutes.
The Verdict? It’s Early - But Watch This Space
Trades like this don’t always reveal their true impact right away. Maybe Dieng grows into a valuable rotation piece for Milwaukee.
Maybe Richards cools off after his hot start in Chicago. But for now, the early returns are hard to ignore: one player is producing on the court, the other is still waiting for his chance.
And if that trend continues, the Bucks may look back at this deal and wonder if they gave up more than they got.