The Washington Wizards front office has assembled one of the most exciting young cores in the league.
Considering what the roster looked like when the new front office regime of general managaer Will Dawkins and President of Monumental Basketball Michael Winger took over the reigns, the team's new-look depth chart is already a win in its own right.
However, through the team's journey of constructing the team's intriguing roster, the front office has been tasked with several tough decisions that at times left fans just a bit confused.
One of those decisions was the option to re-sign former second-round pick Tristan Vukcevic to a two-way contract in the offseason rather than a standard deal after the flashes he showed down the stretch for Washington last season.
Many believed the versatile 7-footer was worthy of a spot on the active roster, especially considering the lack of depth in the frontcourt behind emerging sophomore Alex Sarr entering the season.
Instead, Vukcevic was forced to enter the season looking to prove his value.
Fortunately, it seems as if the Serbian product has finally done exactly that forcing the team to make a move fans have been calling for.
Wizards sign Tristan Vukcevic to long-term deal
According to ESPN's NBA Insider Shams Charania, the Wizards have signed Vukcevic to a three-year, $9 million deal.
The Washington Wizards are signing two-way center Tristan Vukcevic to a new three-year, $9 million deal, sources tell ESPN. Team option in third season. The Wizards and the 7-footer's agent, Jason Ranne of Wasserman, reached the new contract Saturday. pic.twitter.com/hMnsnEctCB
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 21, 2026
Vukcevic has played in 35 games for the Wizards this season, averaging 7.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 12.3 minutes per game.
Shooting 47.8% from field goal range and 27.2% from beyond the arc, the 22-year-old has shown enough flashes that Washington felt the 7-footer finally earned a spot on the active roster to continue his development with Brian Keefe's A-team.
Through the month of February, Vukcevic is averaging 13.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 block per game in an expanded role.
Obviously, the big man still has a long ways to go in his development, but the fact that he's finally showed enough promise to earn a promotion is encouraging.
As for the vacant two-way spot Vukcevic's elevation leaves behind, Washington took no time to fill the void.
The Wizards opted to sign G/F Leaky Black to a two-way deal after spending time with the Capital City Go-Go over the last two years.
Moving forward, Washington will use the remainder of the season to continue evaluating young prospects on the roster and deeming which players could stick around for the team's long-term vision.