On Thursday at the NBA trade deadline, the Washington Wizards traded Jared Butler. He had been on a two-way deal with Washington. The deal opened up a two-way spot for the Wizards. It has quickly been filled as Jaylen Martin is joining the team on a two-way deal.
Former Knicks, Nets Player To Join Wizards On Two-Way Deal
Jaylen Martin Added By Wizards On Two-Way Contract
Martin! Martin! If you were around watching cable television in the 1990s, you know what I mean. Let’s get back to the topic of the article though. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto has reported that the 21-year-old Jaylen Martin is joining the Wizards on a two-way contract.
As mentioned, trading Butler opened up a two-way slot for Washington. The two other two-way spots for the team are occupied by forward Justin Champagnie and center Tristan Vukcevic.
The Washington Wizards have agreed to a two-way contract with Jaylen Martin, league sources told @hoopshype. Martin spent time with the Brooklyn Nets this season and has averaged 16.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 steals in the G League this season. pic.twitter.com/xtrtHASDTY
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 8, 2025
Martin was actually on two-way deals with two New York teams, the Knicks and Nets last season. Despite that, he didn’t make his NBA debut until this season. His NBA debut came on October 27, 2024 with Brooklyn against the Milwaukee Bucks. The 21-year-old played in three outings for the Nets in 2024-25 scoring three points in about five total minutes of game action.
The 6-foot-6 forward was waived by Brooklyn on New Year’s Day. The Nets released him in order to sign forward Tosan Evbuomwan to a two-way contract.
Instead of going the college route, Martin spent the 2022-23 season playing for the YNG Dreamerz in the Overtime Elite. While he had a solid year with them, he was not selected in the 2023 NBA Draft.
This season, Martin has appeared in 21 combined regular season and Tip-Off Tournament outings in the G League (11 with the Long Island Nets, 10 with the Delaware Blue Coats). In those contests, Martin has posted averages of 16.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 steals. He has shot 47.1% from the field, 29.0% from beyond the arc, and 70.6% from the free-throw line.
Washington Has Worst Record In NBA
If you are 21 years old and just looking for an opportunity to play in the league, the Wizards aren’t a bad landing spot. Martin fits that bill and it will be seen if Washington allots him minutes with the team. At 9-42, they have the worst record in the NBA.
Both of their other two-way players have seen time in Washington’s rotation. Champagnie has averaged 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 32 games (13 starts) this season. Vukcevic was the 42md overall pick by the Wizards in the 2023 NBA Draft. A left knee contusion sidelined the 21-year-old to start the season. Since returning, Vukcevic has appeared in 11 games and averaged 3,9 points along with 1.6 rebounds.
So perhaps Martin can receive playing time for a Wizards team that surely will want to see what young pieces are keepers. In all likelihood, they will be one of the three teams that have a 14% chance at the first pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. That would give them a potential foundational piece, projected by most to be Cooper Flagg.
The Wizards next play on Saturday at home against the Atlanta Hawks.
Photo credit: © Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
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