The Washington Wizards are making a major investment in their future, locking up rising star forward Corey Kispert with a lucrative four-year, $54 million contract extension. The deal, which was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, shows the Wizards’ commitment to building around their talented young core.
Kispert’s Rapid Rise
Since being drafted 15th overall by the Wizards in 2021, Kispert has quickly established himself as one of the NBA’s most promising young forwards. Last season, the former Gonzaga standout averaged a career-high 13.4 points per game while shooting an impressive 38.3% from three-point range on six attempts per contest.
Kispert’s development reached new heights in the final stretch of the season, as he started the Wizards’ last 19 games and put up eye-popping numbers. During that span, the sharpshooter averaged 17.2 points on scorching 50.8% shooting from the field and 43.9% from deep, showcasing his potential to be a go-to scorer in the league.
A Perfect Fit in Washington
Kispert’s skill set makes him an ideal fit alongside the Wizards’ star backcourt of Bradley Beal and Monte Morris. His ability to space the floor and knock down open shots provides valuable scoring balance, while his size and versatility allow him to match up with multiple positions on defense.
“Corey has been a consummate professional since the day he arrived in D.C.,” said a source close to the Wizards organization. “His work ethic, shooting ability, and team-first mentality make him a cornerstone piece for our franchise moving forward.”
Betting on the Future
By extending Kispert now, the Wizards are showing their faith in the 24-year-old’s potential to blossom into an All-Star caliber player. The $54 million investment is a significant one for a player with just two NBA seasons under his belt, but the Wizards clearly believe that Kispert’s best basketball is still ahead of him.
The move also provides the Wizards with some much-needed stability as they look to build a consistent winner in the competitive Eastern Conference. With Kispert, Beal, Morris, and rising big man Kristaps Porzingis all locked in for the foreseeable future, Washington has a core group that can grow together and potentially make some noise in the playoffs.
The Road Ahead
Of course, Kispert’s development will be critical to determining whether this extension is a wise investment or an overpay. The young forward will need to continue honing his all-around game and prove that his late-season surge was no fluke.
If Kispert can take another leap forward and emerge as a consistent 20-point per game scorer while providing solid defense and playmaking, the Wizards will have a true star on their hands. But if his progress stalls or he struggles to adapt to a larger role, the contract could become an albatross that hampers the team’s flexibility going forward.
For now, though, the Wizards are betting big on Kispert’s talent and character. With a lucrative extension in hand and a clear role in Washington’s future, the rising star will have every opportunity to prove that he’s worth the investment and help lead the Wizards back to prominence in the years to come.
- Corey Kispert signs 4-year, $54 million extension with Wizards
- Kispert averaged career-highs in points (13.4) and 3P% (38.3%) last season
- Wizards betting on Kispert’s potential to become an All-Star caliber player
| Season | Games | Points | 3P% |
| 2021-22 | 77 | 8.2 | 35.0% |
| 2022-23 | 80 | 13.4 | 38.3% |
The Wizards are investing big in Corey Kispert’s future with a 4-year, $54M extension 💰
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) October 21, 2024
Is the rising star ready to take D.C. to new heights? #NBA #Wizards pic.twitter.com/placeholder
