The Portland Trail Blazers, off the court at least, would like to forget this season. Chauncey Billups was arrested by the FBI as they investigated illegal and rigged poker games, and he seems to have ties to sports betting scandals, as well.
On the court, things are actually looking good for Portland. Jrue Holiday, while healthy, is defining Father Time, and Portland is very much in the mix for a postseason berth. At 6-8, it’s an upward battle.
Between Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, and Donovan Clingan, Portland has a decent young core. Add in the potential of Scoot Henderson and Hansen Yang, and the Blazers boast a well-rounded cast of players.
However, they boast the third-worst 3-point shooting mark in the NBA. Aside from Avdija, Portland doesn’t really have a young wing who can knock down shots. They could look across the country to change that.
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 24: Corey Kispert #24 of the Washington Wizards walks backcourt during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Portland Trail Blazers Should Target Corey Kispert
Corey Kispert is 26 years old, so he fits the Trail Blazers’ timeline, but not necessarily the Washington Wizards’. Best known for his run of dominance in college with Gonzaga, he is a career 38.2% shooter from deep across five NBA seasons.
He is signed to a reasonable contract worth $54 million over four years. As Portland looks to move past Jerami Grant, Kispert provides the outside scoring punch the Blazers need, without breaking the bank.
Between Tre Johnson, Kyshawn George, Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, and AJ Johnson, the Wizards have plenty of younger scorers. Kispert is playing a career-low 19 minutes per game this season. There’s really no reason to keep him.
Is Kispert a decent player on a bad team, or have his stats simply been inflated by being on the lowly Wizards? There is some risk with trading for him, although the Blazers shouldn’t be turned off by that.
Mock Trade Sends Kispert to Pacific Northwest
Hailing from Edmonds, a Seattle suburb, the Blazers are the closest thing to a hometown team Kispert has. Returning to the Pacific Northwest, where he played the best basketball of his career, seems overdue.
The Blazers have ample first-round picks to trade, thanks in part to flipping Damian Lillard in 2022, although a role-player on one of the league’s worst teams likely won’t fetch a first-rounder. Mikal Bridges may have ruined mock trade expectations for wings!
For Kispert, a much more modest deal could be expected.
Full Mock Trade Details
- Portland Trail Blazers receive: Corey Kispert
- Washington Wizards receive: Robert Williams III, 2027 second-round pick (via ATL), 2027 second-round pick (via MIN)
While Kispert’s contract isn’t massive, he is under contract through 2028-29. Robert Williams III, on the other hand, will be a free agent after this season, giving the Wizards some added flexibility.Â
Two second-rounders in the same draft could be used to move up into the late first round, giving Washington some options in 2027. The Blazers, meanwhile, add a scoring wing to play opposite Avdija.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Mock Trade Sends Sharpshooter to Portland Trail Blazers appeared first on Heavy Sports.