NBA Trade News: Washington Wizards Bring In $462,629 G-League Star on Two-Way Deal Ahead of 2025-26 Season

The Washington Wizards made a notable late move to close out their offseason by signing former McDonald’s All-American Sharife Cooper. The team has built a roster centered on youth and upside, and Cooper now joins that mix as he returns to the NBA after stints in multiple leagues.

Terms of Sharife Cooper’s Two-Way Contract

Sharife Cooper’s agreement with Washington comes in the form of a two-way contract. Under league rules, players on two-way deals can suit up for a maximum of 50 games with the NBA team while spending the rest of the season in the G League. Cooper will split his time between the Washington Wizards and their affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go. With his arrival, Washington has filled all of its available two-way slots, joining Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins in those positions.

Why Cooper’s Journey was Marked by Challenges and Transitions

This move marks a return to the NBA for Cooper, whose professional path has been far from straightforward. Selected 48th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, he spent his rookie season on a two-way contract. However, the Hawks released him before the start of the 2022-23 campaign. Cooper briefly resurfaced in the league with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2023-24 season, signing a 10-day contract but never appearing in a game.

In the years since, he has bounced between the G League and overseas basketball, striving to re-establish his footing in the NBA.

Cooper’s Limited NBA Experience So Far

Sharife Cooper’s NBA résumé remains thin, with only 13 games played, all during his rookie year in Atlanta. His most notable outing came in January 2022 against the Los Angeles Lakers, when he knocked down a three-pointer for his career-high of three points. Despite limited opportunities, he has remained persistent in chasing another chance at the highest level.

Sharife’s High School Stardom and College Success

Before his professional career, Cooper was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the country. A five-star recruit out of high school, he earned prestigious honors such as McDonald’s All-American, USA Today All-USA Player of the Year, and Mr. Georgia Basketball. After committing to Auburn, he made an immediate impact in college basketball, earning SEC All-Freshman honors in his lone season with the Tigers.

What His Signing Means for the Washington Wizards

For the Washington Wizards, adding Sharife Cooper represents a low-risk, high-upside gamble on a player with undeniable talent and a decorated amateur background. If he can translate his playmaking and scoring skills to the NBA level, Cooper has the potential to carve out a role. At the very least, his presence strengthens the depth of the Capital City Go-Go while giving Washington another developmental piece for the future.