Justin Champagnie signing continues Wizards' youth movement
By Arrick Joel
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On Thursday, the Washington Wizards announced their signing of 22-year-old forward Justin Champagnie to a 10-day contract. The signing comes after Washington agreed to a contract buyout with Delon Wright last week. The 31-year-old guard played 83 games for the Wizards over the past two seasons, averaging 6.1 points per game on 45 percent shooting.
Official: We have signed forward Justin Champagnie to a 10-day contract.
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) February 22, 2024
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The move from Wright to Champagnie is another example of the Wizards' mission to inject youth into their roster. Wright's contract buyout leaves the Wizards on the hook for a $8,195,122 retained cap hit, which limited the team's options in terms of roster construction.
What does Justin Champagnie's 10-day contract bring to the Wizards?
After competing in Miami Heat training camp this summer but ultimately being cut by the club, Justin Champagnie has spent time with the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the G League to this point in the season. In 34 games between the Showcase Cup and the regular season, Champagnie has logged some impressive statistics.
This season, Champagnie is averaging 22.3 points per game on 49.4 percent shooting. Alongside his offensive output, Champagnie has recorded 2.4 steals per game, the third-highest mark in the G League. With his combination of defense and scoring, the Sioux Falls Skyforce boasts a 15-5 regular season record, the best in the G League.
Prior to this year's stint in Sioux Falls, Champagnie made his NBA debut as a 20-year-old with the Toronto Raptors. In his brief NBA experience, Champagnie has played just 7.7 minutes per game, which is likely to see an uptick in his time with Washington.
With the signing, Justin Champagnie will join his twin brother, Julian Champagnie, in the NBA. The Champagnie brothers have each spent time in the league, although the two have never faced one another. Should the Wizards retain Champagnie's contract following the 10-day deal, that opportunity may arise next season.
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