The Milwaukee Bucks finally got a much-needed win Tuesday night, snapping a three-game skid with a 111-94 victory over the struggling Indiana Pacers. It wasn’t a statement win by any means - the Pacers are now 6-24 - but for a Bucks team that’s been searching for answers all season, it was a step in the right direction.
Now sitting at 12-18 overall and just 4-10 on the road, the Bucks are deep into a brutal stretch of 12 games out of 16 away from home. And with their franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined by a calf strain - and still the subject of persistent trade chatter - this season has been anything but smooth sailing in Milwaukee.
But instead of leaning into a rebuild or entertaining the idea of moving on from Giannis, the Bucks appear to be taking the opposite approach: retooling around their superstar. That means exploring the trade market for pieces that can help elevate the supporting cast, especially in the frontcourt - an area that’s been exposed during Giannis’ absence.
Milwaukee Eyeing Corey Kispert as a Potential Fit
One name that’s surfaced in trade discussions is Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert. The Bucks have been linked to the sharpshooting wing as they look to bolster their size and scoring at the forward spot - two areas that have been noticeably lacking.
This season, Milwaukee has often started AJ Green at small forward. While Green has shown flashes, he’s undersized for the position, more of a shooting guard than a true wing. Kyle Kuzma has also logged time at the three, and while he’s having a strong individual season, his streaky perimeter shooting doesn’t quite fit the mold of what the Bucks need around Giannis: reliable floor spacing.
That’s where Kispert could come in.
Kispert, now in the first year of a four-year, $54 million deal, is exactly the kind of player who can stretch the floor and move without the ball - a valuable skill set next to a downhill force like Giannis. Through 18 games this season, Kispert is averaging 8.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game off the bench, shooting 47% from the field, 38% from three, and 74% from the line. Those numbers don’t jump off the page, but his efficiency and off-ball movement make him a potential glue guy for a team looking to round out its rotation.
His best season came in 2023-24, when he appeared in 80 games (22 starts) and averaged 13.4 points per game. For his career, Kispert’s shooting splits - 47% from the field, 38% from deep, and 80% from the line - show a level of consistency that the Bucks could use, especially in lineups built around Giannis’ gravity.
What Would It Take to Get a Deal Done?
That’s the big question. The Wizards are in full rebuild mode and reportedly open to moving just about anyone not named in their recent draft haul. Kispert, on a team-friendly contract and still just 26 years old, figures to be a popular target for contenders looking for shooting help.
Milwaukee, for its part, has reportedly made both Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis available in trade discussions. Kuzma, who’s in the midst of one of the best stretches of his career, could be a piece the Bucks use to make salaries work in a potential deal.
Portis, however, might be tougher to part with. He’s been one of the league’s most reliable bench scorers and is currently ranked fourth in the NBA in three-point percentage - a crucial asset on a team that needs every bit of spacing it can get.
If the Bucks can find a way to acquire Kispert without giving up Portis, it would be a savvy move - one that adds shooting, size, and contract flexibility without sacrificing one of their most productive veterans.
The Bigger Picture in Milwaukee
Let’s be honest: this season hasn’t gone according to plan for the Bucks. Injuries, inconsistency, and the looming uncertainty around Giannis’ future have all combined to derail what was supposed to be a competitive campaign. But Tuesday’s win, combined with the front office’s apparent desire to build - not break - around their superstar, signals that Milwaukee isn’t ready to throw in the towel.
Adding a player like Kispert won’t fix everything overnight. But it’s the kind of move that shows the Bucks are still thinking about how to maximize Giannis’ prime - and that’s the kind of urgency fans in Milwaukee should want to see.
The trade deadline is still a ways off, but the Bucks are already working the phones. Whether it’s Kispert or another under-the-radar addition, expect Milwaukee to stay aggressive. Because in a season filled with questions, the one thing that’s clear is this: the Bucks aren’t done yet.