The Washington Wizards are (hopefully) entering the last few years of their seemingly never-ending rebuild. After overhauling the roster, flipping both Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole, Washington has found their core of the future. Now needing to fill out the rest of the rotation, there is one player whose future is hanging in the balance. Corey Kispert’s future must be decided this season, or the Washington Wizards’ rebuild could be hindered even further.
Wizards Must Make Crucial Decision About Veteran Forward
Kispert is now firmly in his fifth NBA season and is one of the longest tenured players on the team. Since his rookie year, he has proven himself as a great role player for Washington and is considered a “sharpshooter.” However, he no longer fits the rebuild timeline and has been in Washington’s trade rumors for the past two seasons. Despite his current injury, rumors still abound for Kispert. So, should Washington keep him or ship him?
Keeping Kispert
Kispert has been solid for Washington, albeit with declining numbers. This season has marked his lowest points average since his rookie year; however, he’s playing just under 20 minutes per game, also marking a career low. With that being said, He’s still finding ways to be a lethal threat on offense. He’s shooting 40.3% from three and a career-high from the field at 50.5% with a 63.6% effective field goal percentage.
His production is nearing elite for a player playing just over half the game. Unfortunately for Washington, Kispert (when healthy) creates a barrier for players like Will Riley. Guys like him need the playing time for development purposes. Kispert has nearly maxed out his potential, and he’s actively blocking other players from hitting their fullest.
Washington can still get plenty out of Kispert. He’s shooting better than last year and provides a great depth option in injury situations. However, he’s inadvertently causing some of the younger players not to hit their stride early. In turn, it could cause big problems down the road in terms of development.
Shipping Kispert
Now switching gears, Kispert’s value as a trade asset should be building with his solid play so far this season. While his current thumb injury could hinder that slightly, Kispert’s shooting touch is one of the best in the league, rivaling some of the best shooters in the game percentage-wise. He would provide exceptional value to a contending team looking to up their offensive damage behind the arc.
Currently, the Pistons, Grizzlies, Magic, Cavaliers, and Trail Blazers are in the current postseason picture while being among the bottom-ten teams in three-point percentage. These teams would benefit vastly from a Kispert trade, giving up a pick or two or a young, potential-heavy prospect for the services of Kispert.
In another situation, Kispert could be packaged with veteran big man Marvin Bagley III or currently disowned Wizards forward Cam Whitmore. This would open up plenty of options for Washington’s front office, including a pick in the stacked 2026 draft or a young prospect who’s already proved he belongs in the NBA.
The Last Word
Overall, Corey Kispert’s situation needs a clear stance from the Washington Wizards’ front office. No one really knows if Kispert could be on the chopping block or not. Some have split opinions over a potential trade. If he stays, his value from behind the arc provides Washington with a great rotational player at the cost of developing promising young players. On the other hand, a trade could be a boom-or-bust situation, with Kispert having a chance to become the next Deni Avdija.
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