Report: Hawks Eye Wizards Sharpshooter Corey Kispert in Potential Trae Young Deal
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The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly interested in acquiring Washington Wizards wing Corey Kispert as part of any trade package that would send point guard Trae Young to the nation’s capital, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Stein’s report, posted on January 7, indicates Atlanta wants Kispert included if discussions between the Southeast Division clubs gain traction. Young is earning $46 million this season, requiring Washington to add significant salary to satisfy league trade rules. Veteran guard CJ McCollum’s $30.7 million expiring contract alone would not be enough to match Young’s cap hit, but pairing it with Kispert’s $14 million salary would make the numbers work. Washington could also use Malaki Branham’s $5 million deal as another option.
Kispert, a reliable perimeter shooter, has appeared in just 19 games this year because of thumb and hamstring injuries. When available, the 25-year-old is averaging 9.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 19.5 minutes, shooting 49.6 percent from the field, 39.5 percent from three and 76.5 percent at the free-throw line.
The former first-round pick is in the opening season of a four-year, $54 million rookie-scale extension that is fully guaranteed through 2027-28. Bringing him to Atlanta would trim the Hawks’ future payroll by moving Young’s $49 million player option for 2026-27 off the books, but it would also reduce the club’s long-term cap flexibility.
Young is believed to favor Washington as a landing spot, yet the Hawks have roughly four weeks until the trade deadline to gauge interest from other teams. Draft compensation remains a sticking point, so a final agreement between the two sides is not considered imminent.
Kispert has been ruled out of Wednesday’s game in Philadelphia for left hamstring management after missing six of the Wizards’ last seven contests. McCollum will also sit out his first game of the season with right quad soreness.
Source: Hoops Rumors
