PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Trail Blazers have converted forward Sidy Cissoko’s two-way contract into a two-year standard NBA deal and have waived swingman Rayan Rupert to clear the required roster spot, the team announced Friday.
Cissoko, 21, had reached the 50-game limit for appearances permitted under a two-way agreement before the All-Star break. Promoting him preserves his eligibility for the remainder of the season. The French rookie has started 24 of his 50 outings, averaging 6.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 22.3 minutes while shooting 40.8 percent from the field, 32.7 percent from three-point range and 70.3 percent at the foul line.
Portland’s decision opens a two-way slot that can be filled until the league’s March 4 deadline. Guard Caleb Love, another two-way contributor with five games of eligibility remaining, could be promoted later, but doing so would require an additional waiver from the 15-man roster.
Rupert, drafted 43rd overall in 2023, departs after averaging 3.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12.0 minutes across 139 games for the Blazers. The 21-year-old becomes eligible for a new two-way contract if he clears waivers on Sunday.
The Blazers now carry 14 players on standard contracts following Friday’s transactions.
Source: Hoops Rumors
