3 way-too-early predictions for Washington Wizards at the trade deadline
By Cem Yolbulan
3. Corey Kispert will be traded for draft compensation
One of the under-discussed reasons for the Washington Wizards’ early season struggles is Corey Kispert’s disappointing start to the 2023-24 season. After having a hyper-efficient scoring season last year, Kispert began the year shooting poorly. He is still a defensive liability, making it hard to play him next to Tyus Jones and Jordan Poole, especially when he is not shooting the lights out.
Deni Avdija showing impressive signs of development and Bilal Coulibaly over-performing already, there isn’t much of a place for Kispert in the perimeter rotation. After starting over half of his games last season, the 24-year-old sharpshooter is coming off the bench and is only playing 22 minutes per game this year. Barring any injuries, he is behind Avdija and Coulibaly in the hierarchy, making him the seventh man on the team. That is a disappointing development for both the Wizards and Kispert.
Therefore, it may make sense for both sides to move on. Kispert still has 1.5 years left on a very team-friendly rookie-scale contract. He should attract plenty of interest around the league as an underpaid, young shooter. As he is only making $3.7 million this season, it should be relatively easy to match salaries or for a team to just absorb his contract amount.
If Kispert continues to only play 22 minutes per game for one of the worst teams in the league, his trade value will fall. The Wizards need to be preemptive and move early to get draft compensation, preferably a first-round pick, in exchange for Kispert.
