Cavaliers Eye Sharpshooter Corey Kispert for Title Aspirations
The Cleveland Cavaliers find themselves at a crucial juncture as they gear up for what they hope will be a championship season—their first in a decade. Following a promising 64-18 regular season in 2024-25 that ultimately fell short in the second round of the playoffs, the team has taken a cautious approach this offseason.
Offseason Moves and Roster Stability
Instead of making sweeping changes, the Cavaliers opted for minimal adjustments. The departure of sixth man Ty Jerome in free agency was a notable shift, but the team managed to balance the scales by trading for point guard Lonzo Ball, a versatile 3-and-D player, while parting ways with seldom-used wing Isaac Okoro.
As the Cavaliers prepare to defend their status as one of the Eastern Conference’s top contenders, the landscape has shifted drastically due to injuries to several key All-Stars. This situation raises the question: should Cleveland explore further enhancements to their roster?
Exploring the Addition of Corey Kispert
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report has put forth a compelling argument for the Cavaliers to consider acquiring Corey Kispert, a talented small forward currently with the Washington Wizards. With Max Strus recovering from a broken foot, Kispert could provide the depth and shooting prowess that Cleveland needs to bolster its perimeter offense.
Standing at 6-foot-7, the 26-year-old Gonzaga product is set to begin the first season of a lucrative four-year, $54 million contract extension he signed with Washington in 2024. His numbers from last season are indicative of his potential impact: in 61 games, Kispert averaged 11.6 points, shooting an impressive 45.1% from the field, 36.4% from beyond the arc, and 85.2% from the free-throw line. Additionally, he contributed 3.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
Kispert’s Shooting Prowess
Kispert’s career shooting statistics further highlight his value as a sharpshooter. Over the first four years of his career, he has maintained a steady 38.2% shooting percentage from three-point range, attempting an average of 5.4 shots from long distance per game. This type of shooting threat could open up the floor for the Cavaliers, allowing their core players to operate more effectively.
As the Cavaliers look to build on last season’s success and navigate the challenges of a competitive Eastern Conference, the addition of a player like Kispert could prove to be a strategic move. With the right tweaks, Cleveland might find the missing piece that elevates them from playoff contender to championship contender.
