Wizards Signing Former Nets Guard To Two-Way Deal

The Washington Wizards are signing guard Jaylen Martin to a two-way contract, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

Martin, 21, has spent the current season splitting time between the Long Island Nets and the Delaware Blue Coats in the G League. Over 22 games, he is averaging 16.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting 47.1% from the field.

A Florida native, Martin went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft after choosing to bypass college basketball in favor of playing for Overtime Elite. His path to the NBA has been unconventional; following his undrafted status, Martin signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks last season but did not appear in any games.

He was subsequently signed by the Brooklyn Nets to a two-year, two-way deal after the trade deadline last year. Despite this, Martin’s NBA debut did not come until this season, when he logged just five minutes over three appearances before being waived by the Nets in January.

The Wizards, who had an open two-way roster spot following the trade of Jared Butler at the deadline, will add Martin without needing to make any other roster moves. He joins Justin Champagnie and Tristan Vukcevic, who currently occupy the team’s other two-way slots.

This signing marks another step in the Wizards’ ongoing youth movement. With this addition, 12 of Washington’s 18 players on the roster will be 25 or younger, further solidifying the franchise’s focus on developing young talent. Washington’s decision to bring in Martin offers a potential upside play as they continue to rebuild.

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