Wizards to sign former first-round pick to 10-day deal

The 24th overall pick in the 2020 draft, Hampton bounced around the NBA during his first few years in the league, spending time in Denver, Orlando and Detroit from 2020-23.

After being waived by the Pistons last June, he signed a two-way contract with the Heat in September and spent much of this season with Miami, appearing in eight NBA games before being waived following last month’s trade deadline, just two days after his 23rd birthday.

After being let go by the Heat, Hampton had his G League rights acquired by the Capital City Go-Go, Washington’s affiliate. He has played well in six regular-season appearances for the Go-Go, averaging 12.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists with a .500/.412/.818 shooting line in 20.1 minutes per contest.

Hampton will fill the 15-man roster spot that was previously occupied by Justin Champagnie, whose own 10-day contract expired on Saturday night. Champagnie is sticking with the Wizards but will get a two-way deal rather than another standard contract.

Hampton will earn $120,250 over his 10 days with the Wizards, while the club takes on a $116,075 cap hit. He’ll be under contract for Washington’s next five games and will be eligible to sign a second 10-day deal with the team when his first one expires. 

If he doesn’t get a second contract, he’d likely report back to the Go-Go, who would still hold his G League rights.