The Atlanta Hawks didn't hide their interest in sharpshooter Corey Kispert during the days leading up to the Trae Young blockbuster deal. Now a member of the Atlanta Hawks, there was initial speculation that Kispert could be rerouted to a third team — but the Hawks are making it clear that they love Kispert's game and want to keep him around for a long time.
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, from a Bleacher Report live stream:
"There was some talk that maybe Corey Kispert could have been heading elsewhere, but we definitely have heard since that coach Quin Snyder is a big proponent of Kispert. And I've talked to several people around the Hawks who fully believe that Kispert's shooting, and his cutting, and his overall skillset will be very complementary as another wing piece around Jalen Johnson's primary playmaking..."
Yeah, that makes sense! Kispert isn't a star, but he's a pretty dang good role player, and it will be obvious very quickly that his situation in Washington was holding his production back. The life of a movement shooter is not easy when they're on a team with nobody who can pass the ball, and that's the situation Kispert was resigned to in Washington.
Corey Kispert could pleasantly surprise fans in Atlanta
I don't think most fans realize how helpful Kispert will be on this Hawks team. I don't blame anyone for that, of course, because I wouldn't ask anyone to watch Washington Wizards basketball in recent years.
He's also in year one of a four-year extension, under team control through the 2028-29 season, so Hawks fans should get used to seeing him in the A, because my guess is he sticks around for a long time. Kispert is slated to make $13 million a year, a completely fair (and perhaps low) number for the production he'll bring to the Hawks.
I know that Corey Kispert isn't exactly who Hawks fans had in mind when thinking about potential Trae Young trades. It's not a flashy move, and it sort of felt like the Hawks were willing to take any deal for their former franchise player.
But here we are, so might as well get used to this new reality! Kispert, along with CJ McCollum, should be good for this Hawks team that is trying to pull itself out of the mud after a sluggish start to the season.