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Wizards Make Big Decision On Unsung Hero

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Mar 2, 2025 7:05 PM ET

The Washington Wizards took out their check book on Sunday to reward one of the team's most vital role players.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Wizards have agreed to sign two-way forward Justin Champagnie to a 4-year contract extension worth $10 million. Washington is also converting Champagnie's current two-way deal this season to standard contract that will pay him $1.6 million for the final six weeks of play.

Champagnie has already played 40 games this season with 23 games left on the Wizards' schedule. Given that two-way players only able to play up to a maximum of 50 games in an NBA season, the move ensures Champagnie can play out the rest of the year.

The Washington Wizards and two-way forward Justin Champagnie are finalizing a new four-year, $10 million deal, agent Daniel Hazan of Hazan Sports told ESPN. Wizards will pay Champagnie $1.8M for final 6 weeks. In his fourth season, the 23-year-old is having career year. pic.twitter.com/zG6n6IA7tU
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 2, 2025

The Pitt alum is in the midst of a career season, averaging career highs in points (7.5), rebounds (4.6), field goal percentage (50.4%), three-point percentage (37.6%), and minutes played (18.3).

Champagnie also turned heads this season when he went viral for talking trash to his twin brother Julian Champagnie , who plays on the San Antonio Spurs.

Despite only being 23 years old, Champagnie already has four years of NBA experience and has served as a veteran presence on a Washington team with several rookies and sophomores in its rotation.

The extension will keep Champagnie around on an incredibly cost-efficient deal as the Wizards look to make the turn from rebuilding squad to playoff contender in the seasons to come.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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