The Portland Trail Blazers are making a notable move by signing free agent wing Sidy Cissoko to a two-way contract as they look to improve their roster for the final stretch of the 2024-25 NBA season. This decision comes after waiving Taze Moore, also a two-way player.

Sidy Cissoko, a 20-year-old Frenchman, has had a turbulent week in the NBA. Just days ago, he was part of a multi-team trade that sent him from the San Antonio Spurs to the Sacramento Kings, only to be traded again to the Washington Wizards before being waived. Cissoko, selected 44th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, has had limited success in the NBA with averages of 2.3 points and 1.1 rebounds over 29 games.

Despite his challenges, Cissoko had a strong stint in the G League, averaging 16.3 points, showcasing his potential. However, given the Trail Blazers' recent strong performance—winning nine of their last ten games—his path to significant playing time may be blocked.

The Sacramento Kings have solidified their frontcourt by acquiring Jonas Valanciunas from the Washington Wizards ahead of the NBA trade deadline. Valanciunas, a veteran center, will join fellow Lithuanian Domantas Sabonis, creating a formidable duo. The Kings parted ways with Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks, namely a 2028 pick from the Denver Nuggets and their own 2029 pick. Valanciunas, who signed a three-year deal with the Wizards last season, has had a challenging year, serving mostly as a bench player behind rookie Alex Sarr.

This trade reunites Valanciunas with DeMar DeRozan, a former teammate in Toronto, while also reflecting the Kings' ambition to bolster their playoff prospects. Washington has also been active, having previously traded Kyle Kuzma to the Milwaukee Bucks for Khris Middleton. This maneuvering underscores both teams' strategic adjustments as they seek to enhance their rosters.

The Washington Wizards have finalized a trade, sending center Jonas Valanciunas to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for rookie Sidy Cissoko and two second-round draft picks. Valanciunas, who has been averaging 11.5 points and 8.2 rebounds this season, finds himself on a struggling Wizards team with the league's worst record (8-41). In a separate move, the Wizards are also trading Kyle Kuzma and Patrick Baldwin to the Milwaukee Bucks for Khris Middleton and A.J. Johnson, further emphasizing their rebuilding strategy.

Cissoko, a 6-foot-6 guard, was just acquired by the Kings from San Antonio, where he played sparingly. His addition to the Wizards adds youth to their roster, joining other under-22 players as Washington looks to build for the future.

In a surprising move, the Sacramento Kings have traded for center Jonas Valančiūnas from the Washington Wizards, sending recently acquired Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks back. This trade is a strategic addition for the Kings, who are bolstering their bench, particularly in rebounding, alongside Domantas Sabonis.

Valančiūnas, averaging 11.5 points and 8.2 rebounds in just over 20 minutes of play, will provide an essential pairing with Sabonis, enhancing the Kings' frontcourt depth. Meanwhile, the Wizards, currently in rebuilding mode, acquire potential with Cissoko and additional draft picks, reflecting a calculated approach to their future.

The Washington Wizards are making significant moves in their roster ahead of the new season, trading veteran center Jonas Valanciunas to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for two second-round picks and promising young forward Sidy Cissoko. This trade marks the second major transaction for the Wizards in one day, having earlier dealt power forward Kyle Kuzma to the Milwaukee Bucks for All-Star Khris Middleton and rookie A.J. Johnson. The latest addition of Cissoko, a 20-year-old player from France, aligns with the Wizards' strategy of focusing on youth, as they look to build a more dynamic and competitive team.

With this series of trades, the Wizards are investing in a developmental roster that includes Cissoko alongside other rookies such as Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Bub Carrington, as well as second-year standout Bilal Coulibaly. This shift signifies a clear pivot towards nurturing talent and creating a foundation for future success.