Every year, several two-way contract players outperform their current deals and wind up playing more minutes than expected for their respective organizations. However, two-way players are limited to 50 games on their contracts and aren’t eligible for the postseason.
[RELATED: 2024/25 NBA Two-Way Contract Tracker]
Once top two-way players approach their 50-game limit or it’s clear they’re either a part of the organization’s future or making an immediate impact, a team will often convert their deals. Some teams have to wait longer than others due to financial reasons or a lack of roster spots, however.
Take the Heat, for example, who often begin seasons with 14 players on standard deals as opposed to the maximum allowable 15 due to their position against the tax. That’s what they did in 2021/22 when they had Caleb Martin on a two-way deal before signing him at mid-season, when his salary would be prorated and allow them to squeeze under the tax line.
Still, we’re almost certain to see several players converted from two-way to standard contracts this season. Last year, Vince Williams, GG Jackson, Keon Ellis, Craig Porter Jr. and Duop Reath were among impact players who were converted sooner rather than later. Martin, Aaron Wiggins and Sam Hauser are other good in-season examples for recent years.
The Heat could repeat history with a two-way player who may see minutes relatively early in the season with Keshad Johnson. Miami signed Johnson to a two-way deal right after the draft and he played well for the team this summer after ranking as one of the best undrafted free agents. With Martin gone, minutes are open along the wing and at the forward spot for the Heat and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Johnson fill in.
The Wizards have a roster glut to sort through before making any such move, but since they’re likely to be active at the trade deadline, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Justin Champagnie get brought up at some point. Champagnie has appeared in 56 NBA games and impressed in the G League.
The Kings may have one of the best trios of two-way players in the league with Mason Jones, Isaiah Crawford and Isaac Jones. The latter two players went undrafted in 2024 but were rated among the best available rookie free agents after June’s draft. Mason Jones, meanwhile, has impressed in the league before and posted a .502/.459/.833 shooting line in the G League last season. Sacramento could have an opportunity for minutes early with Devin Carter dealing with a shoulder injury and the team light on depth.
Cleveland has been filling out its two-way slots over the past week, bringing in JT Thor and re-signing Emoni Bates. Thor is still just 21 after having three seasons of NBA experience. Bates impressed last season in the G League, averaging 21.6 PPG and making 37.0% of his 10.5 three-point attempts per game. With the Cavaliers still having three open standard roster spots, it’s possible their rotation is a bit shallower to begin the year even if Isaac Okoro re-signs.
Utah is another team with several “veterans” on two-way deals between Jason Preston, Oscar Tshiebwe and Micah Potter. Tshiebwe, in particular, was the G League Rookie of the Year last season after pulling down 16.1 rebounds per game. The Jazz are a young team that could give minutes to as many young players as possible to see who sticks.
That brings us to our question of the day. Which player currently on a two-way contract do you see earning a promotion this season? Are there any players who you think are underlooked? Which players are primed to earn minutes right away?
Take to the comments to let us know. We look forward to your input!
What’s the rules with other teams being interested in guys on two way contracts.
Can they just outright sign them to a standard contract even tho they are already currently contract albeit on a two way?
Cause I don’t think you can trade two way guys unless you promote them not a standard contract?
Just for example Emoni Bates, kid had really high potential and recruiting in high school, obviously didn’t translate into college and the draft but has since had a really good rookie season in the G League, could another team steal him away from Cleveland?
Ron Holland last year put up 18.5-6.5-3 shooting 24% from 3 in the GLeague and was drafted 5th overall. Bates who plays the same position in the same competition put up 21.5-6-2 but shot 37% from 3. By that comparison Bates should have relatively the same value shouldn’t he?
In which case no team has ever signed a lottery pick to a two way deal, let alone a top 5 pick.
Emoni isn’t the old person I could make this case for he’s just one of many guys. I’m saying that tho I’d love to steal Emoni away and I think manny teams would
No, you cannot sign another teams two way player to sign two a standard contract during the season.
You can actually trade two-way players though
Oh you can trade them, I didn’t think you could for some reason
Yeah I think the only one who has ever been traded though is Johnathan Motley
I told everyone it was the Kings and Dallas if they sign Sharpe
Bronny, oh wait.
David Jones phi
Pelle Larson mia
Pelle Larson isn’t on a two way contract. He has a standard NBA contract
How tall is David Jones? 6’7, 6’6 or 6’3?
I heard he was 6’2 without shoes
Memphis’ Scotty Pippen Jr. is definitely getting promoted this season. He closed strong this past season, was on the MVP shortlist in the Summer League and the Grizzlies don’t have a true backup PG outside Derrick Rose, who frankly is washed. Pippen has a Tyus Jones-like game and I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes a key rotation piece for the Grizzlies.