The Portland Trail Blazers have converted the two-way contract of forward Sidy Cissoko to a standard NBA contract, the organization announced on Friday. Terms weren’t disclosed. However, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the new deal is for two years.
In a subsequent move, the Blazers have waived wing Rayan Rupert. Portland had a full roster of 15 players on standard NBA contracts, so one player needed to be waived or bought out to make room for Cissoko.
Cissoko, 21, has been an inspiring standout for
the Blazers this season after injuries throughout the roster unexpectedly pushed him into the regular rotation. The third-year forward had used up all 50 of the NBA appearances allotted to him on his two-way contract, so the franchise had to convert the deal to a standard contract if they wanted him to suit up again this season.
In those 50 appearances, including 24 starts, Cissoko has averaged 6.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals, and 22.3 minutes per game, while shooting 32.7% on 3s. While the stats don’t jump off the page, the 6-foot-6 forward has carved out a role as one of the team’s most versatile defenders and biggest energizers, making nightly impact with his hustle.
Late last month, Blazer’s Edge featured an exclusive profile about Cissoko’s impact this season and his journey from France to the NBA. In case you missed it, you can find that story here.
Rupert’s tenure with the Blazers comes to an end after almost three seasons with the club. Portland drafted the 6-foot-7 wing — also from France — with the No. 43 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, bringing him to Rip City in the same draft class as Scoot Henderson and Kris Murray.
Rupert, 21, appeared in 139 games for the Blazers during his tenure. In those appearances, he averaged 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 12 minutes per game while shooting 31.7% on 3-pointers. He had appeared in 48 games this season, but didn’t crack the regular rotation.
