Washington elevates Vukcevic to standard contract; Collins shut down for season; Denver hands Portland record defeat
wizards-promote-vukcevic-bulls-collins-sidelined-blazers-blowout
Wizards
The Washington Wizards converted center Tristan Vukcevic’s two-way agreement into a three-year, $9 million standard deal, according to ESPN. The third season contains a team option, and no corresponding roster move was necessary because the club had an open spot.
Selected in the second round of the 2023 draft, the 21-year-old had nine games remaining before reaching the 50-game limit for two-way players. He has appeared in 35 contests this season, starting five, and is averaging 7.9 points and 2.7 rebounds in a little over 12 minutes per game.
Washington filled the vacated two-way slot by signing wing Leaky Black. The undrafted North Carolina product previously held a two-way contract with the Charlotte Hornets and has spent this season with the Capital City Go-Go.
Bulls
Chicago announced that forward Zach Collins will undergo surgery on his right toe, ending his season after just 10 appearances. Collins, who also missed time with a wrist issue, averaged 9.7 points and 5.6 rebounds. He will enter unrestricted free agency this summer after completing a two-year, $34.8 million contract.
The Bulls added that guard Jaden Ivey will be evaluated again in two weeks because of soreness in his left knee. Since arriving earlier this month, Ivey has averaged 11.5 points across four games. He is on track for restricted free agency unless Chicago renounces his rights.
Trail Blazers
Portland’s return from the All-Star break started poorly, as the Denver Nuggets rolled to a 157-103 victory at Moda Center ― the highest road point total in Nuggets history and the most scored by any team this season. “One of our worst games of the season,” acting coach Tiago Splitter said. “We were just not ready.” The Trail Blazers travel to Phoenix next.
Source: Hoops Wire
