The Washington Wizards are deep in the trenches of another tough season - and if you’ve been following this team the past few years, the script feels all too familiar. Through 23 games, they’re sitting at 3-20.
That’s not a typo. That’s the exact same record they posted at this point in each of the last two seasons.
But unlike years past, this time around there's clarity in the chaos: the rebuild is officially on.
Washington has finally committed to a full teardown, and while that’s the right move for the long-term health of the franchise, it doesn’t make the nightly losses any easier for fans to stomach. Still, with the trade season about to open up - December 15 marks the date when players who signed new deals in the offseason become trade-eligible - the Wizards are expected to be active sellers.
That includes veterans like Marvin Bagley III and Anthony Gill, who technically become movable starting Monday. But let’s be real - those aren’t the names that are going to get front offices buzzing. The Wizards are unlikely to move any of their prized young pieces like Bilal Coulibaly or Kyshawn George, so the focus shifts to players who sit somewhere in between: established contributors who don’t quite fit the long-term timeline.
Enter Corey Kispert.
The sharpshooter out of Gonzaga is in a bit of a roster limbo. He’s not part of the youth movement anymore - he turns 27 soon - but he’s also not a high-priced veteran whose contract is tough to move.
In fact, Kispert’s deal is one of the more team-friendly contracts in the league for a player with his skill set. He’s locked in through the 2028-29 season, with a team option on the final year, and he’s making just $14 million this season and next, followed by $13 million annually after that.
That kind of value - a reliable shooter with size, on a manageable contract - tends to draw interest across the league, especially from playoff contenders looking to bolster their bench with floor spacing. Kispert isn’t a lockdown defender, but he’s not a liability either. And on offense, his shooting gravity alone can shift the geometry of a halfcourt set.
Now, there’s a wrinkle: Kispert is currently sidelined with a fractured thumb and could miss a few more weeks. That’s not ideal timing, but it’s also not a deal-breaker.
This isn’t a soft-tissue or lower-body injury that might raise long-term red flags. It’s a clean injury with a clear recovery timeline - and importantly, it doesn’t impact his conditioning or shooting form once healed.
So while some teams might prefer to see him back on the court before making a move, others could be willing to strike early, especially if they believe Kispert is the missing piece to their rotation. And if the Wizards get a solid offer - particularly one that includes draft capital or a young player on a rookie deal - it wouldn’t be surprising to see them pull the trigger.
Kispert’s potential trade value isn’t just theoretical either. His last game before the injury was a reminder of what he brings to the table.
In a November 25 NBA Cup win over the Hawks, he poured in 19 points, knocked down four threes, and added three steals for good measure. That’s the kind of performance that sticks in the minds of scouts and GMs - efficient, impactful, and exactly the type of plug-and-play production contenders crave.
So, has Kispert already played his final game in a Wizards uniform? It’s very possible. If the right team comes calling - and with a flood of players becoming trade-eligible on Monday, the phones are about to get real busy - Kispert could be one of the first names moved.
After 309 games in D.C., the chapter might be closing. And if it is, he left one heck of a final impression.