Tristan Vukcevic, a third-year center taken in the second round of the 2023 NBA Draft, has been a solid backup option for the Washington Wizards this 2025-26 season.
In the 35 games he has played for Washington so far, Vukcevic has averaged 7.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.7 blocks. In his last five appearances, in particular, he has put up 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 block.
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Amid his steady rise as a reliable big man for Washington, the team decided to convert his deal to a standard contract. As Shams Charania of ESPN reported on Saturday, the Wizards gave Vukcevic a three-year, $9 million contract.
“The Washington Wizards are signing two-way center Tristan Vukcevic to a new three-year, $9 million deal, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported, adding that the third season of the deal is a team option.
He further stated, “The Wizards and the 7-footer’s agent, Jason Ranne of Wasserman, reached the new contract Saturday.”
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Washington Wizards forward/center Tristan Vukcevic looks on during a game.Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
(Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images)
With Vukcevic now under a standard deal, it created a two-way roster spot for the Wizards. Interestingly, the team immediately filled the opening by signing former Charlotte Hornets forward Leaky Black.
Black, who went undrafted in 2023, played 26 games for the Hornets in the 2023-24 season. He averaged 2.7 points and 1.8 rebounds, all while shooting 48.1% from the field.
The 26-year-old has been with the Wizards’ G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go, since last season. This campaign, he has averaged 10.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists.
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“The Wizards are signing G/F Leaky Black to a two-way deal with the open slot, agent Max Wiepking of Gersh Sports tells ESPN,” Charania added. “Black played in 26 games with the Hornets last season as a rookie before joining the Wizards’ Capital City Go-Go affiliate.”
It remains to be seen how much opportunity Black will get with the Wizards. With the team at 16-39 on the season and unlikely to compete for a postseason spot, there should be opportunities for him to show he can contribute.
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The Wizards are a team on the rise, though, especially after acquiring Anthony Davis and Trae Young before the trade deadline. The two have yet to play for Washington due to injuries, but they are expected to become a dangerous team once both superstars are healthy.
As for Vukcevic and Black, they now have an opportunity to prove that they can be a part of the long-term future of the franchise.
Related: Trae Young’s Injury Status Gets Clarity After All-Star Break
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.