Wizards forward Justin Champagnie is set to be promoted to a full-time roster spot, signing a four-year, $10 million standard contract with the team, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Champagnie’s agent, Daniel Hazard, confirmed the deal, which will see the 6-foot-6 wing earn $1.8 million for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
In 40 games with Washington this season, the 23-year-old is averaging 7.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.9 assists, shooting an efficient .504 from the field, .376 from beyond the arc, and .674 from the free-throw line.
Champagnie has also showcased strong performances with the Wizards’ NBA G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go, during the Tip-Off Tournament. In eight games, he posted averages of 20.0 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.1 steals, alongside a solid shooting line of .483/.350/.750.
After going undrafted out of Pitt in 2021, Champagnie spent time with the Raptors and Boston Celtics during his first two professional seasons. He joined the Wizards on a 10-day contract late in the 2023/24 season and was subsequently brought back on a two-way deal for the remainder of that campaign.
The move to promote Champagnie comes as Washington looks to finalize its roster. The team recently signed Jalen McDaniels to a 10-day contract on February 22, and Champagnie’s promotion could mean McDaniels will not be retained, or another standard roster player could be cut to make room for him.
This promotion will also open up a two-way roster spot for the Wizards, leaving Tristan Vukcevic and Jaylen Martin as the only players on two-way deals.
With the Wizards currently holding the worst record in the NBA at 11-48, the team is in a position to invest time in developing young talent like Champagnie, making this a strategic move for both the player and the organization.
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