Wizards re-sign Jamir Watkins to two-way deal

CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 12: Jamir Watkins #5 of the Washington Wizards runs down court during the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on April 12, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: The Cavaliers defeated the Wizards 130-117. User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

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What is the story about?

The Washington Wizards have re-signed Jamir Watkins to a two-way contract, the team announced Wednesday.

Washington has re-signed Watkins just days after it declined his $2.15 million team option for the 2026-27 season.

The Wizards did something similar in 2024, when they declined Tristan Vukcevic’s team option before signing him to a two-way contract.

Watkins, 24, was selected No. 43 by Washington in the 2025 NBA Draft.

He averaged 7.4 points and 3.9 rebounds across 50 games last season.

The stout defender closed his rookie campaign with a 24-point outburst on 5-for-9 3-point shooting against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Florida State product signing a two-way deal keeps the Wizards at 14 standard contracts.

Guard: Trae Young | Tre Johnson | Bub Carrington | Jaden Hardy | D’Angelo Russell

Wing: AJ Dybantsa | Kyshawn George | Bilal Coulibaly | Will Riley

Forward: AnthonyDavis | Justin Champagnie | Cam Whitmore

Center: Alex Sarr | Tristan Vukcevic

Two-way: Jamir Watkins

Washington could open another roster spot by waiving or buying out Russell, who opted in to his $5.9 million player option but never reported to Washington following last February’s trade from the Dallas Mavericks.

Wizards general manager Will Dawkins was noncommittal on whether Feliz Okpara would sign a standard deal, which opens the door for him to start his career on a two-way contract. Dawkins also mentioned Washington’s desire to add another big man to back up Sarr and Davis.