Photo: Washington Wizards/YouTube

The Washington Wizards are bringing back guard Jamir Watkins on a two-way contract, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto, who reported the signing on Wednesday. Watkins appeared in 50 games for Washington during the 2025-26 season and now remains with the organization as it continues reshaping its young roster.

Watkins, 24, averaged 7.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 20.6 minutes per game while making seven starts during his rookie campaign. He shot 44.6% from the field and posted a 52.5% effective field goal percentage, though his perimeter shooting remains an area for improvement after converting 29.7% of his 3-point attempts.

The 6-foot-6 wing carved out a rotation role on a Wizards team that finished 17-65, the worst record in the Eastern Conference. Despite the club’s struggles, Watkins provided steady energy on both ends of the floor, averaging 1.1 steals and just 0.8 turnovers per game while contributing on the glass with 1.0 offensive rebounds per contest.

Washington’s decision to retain Watkins on a two-way deal gives the franchise another developmental option on the wing while preserving roster flexibility. Two-way contracts allow teams to move players between the NBA roster and the G League throughout the season, making them valuable for young players who have already shown they can contribute at the NBA level.

Watkins enters a much different roster than the one he debuted with a year ago. The Wizards added the No. 1 overall pick, AJ Dybantsa, in the 2026 NBA Draft and also selected forwards Izaiyah Nelson and Malique Lewis in the second round.