The Washington Wizards have been in full tank mode lately, with several players, including trade acquisitions Trae Young and Anthony Davis, sidelined with reported injuries. The Wizards are pushing all of their chips into the center of the table to try to secure the top draft pick, and as a result, some lesser-known players are getting a chance to showcase their skills for the remainder of the season.
One of those players is rookie Jamir Watkins, and on Thursday, it was revealed that the Wizards will be committed to the young guard long-term.
"The Washington Wizards are signing two-way guard Jameer Watkins to a new two-year contract. Watkins has averaged 13.2 points and one steal over his last six games," CAA Sports agents Drew Morrison and Sam Rose told ESPN.
Watkins was drafted by the Wizards in the second round in 2025 after finishing his college career at Florida State. While Watkins is big by rookie standards at 24, he has still displayed an interesting skill set during his play with the Wizards so far, as well as the ability to defend on the perimeter, which will be an area of significant need for the team heading into next year.
Washington is hoping to re-enter the playoff mix next season, as they will look to add a blue-chip prospect from the 2026 draft to pair with Young, Davis, center Alex Sarr (who is currently out of the lineup) and some of their other interesting young players.
In a weak Eastern Conference, that core could be enough to turn the Wizards into a formidable team for the first time in nearly a decade.
In any case, the Wizards will next take the field on Thursday against Young's former team, the Atlanta Hawks.
