By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Washington Wizards have claimed Joel Ayayi off the waivers list, the team announced.
Ayayi, 21, will carry a two-way contract picked up by the Wizards off waivers. He had penned the two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in early August as an undrafted rookie. He was waived last Friday after logging 4.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per NBA Summer League appearance, and 0.4 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per Preseason contest.
The Paris-born guard was a member of Gonzaga through his four-year NCAA career. He redshirted his first season and became an active member of the roster from 2018 to 2021. His stint produced 8.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 0.9 steals per game over 88 appearances.
Also, the Wizards have picked up their 2022-23 rookie scale contract options on Israeli Deni Avdija and Japanese Rui Hachimura, per Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington.
Avdija, 20, will be eligible for a long-term contract extension in 2023 if his 2023-24 team option is similarly exercised next year. He was selected with the 9th overall pick of the 2020 NBA draft.
Hachimura, 23, the 9th selection of the 2019 NBA draft, will be eligible for a contract extension following the 2021-22 season.
The Wizards, after hiring Wes Unseld Jr. as the successor of Scott Brooks at the head coaching position and adding Spencer Dinwiddie, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, among others during the offseason, will visit the Toronto Raptors to open the 2021-22 Regular Season on Wednesday.
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