The Portland Trail Blazers officially announced that they have made Sidi Sissoko their permanent manager, while simultaneously waiving Rajon Rupert.

The Portland Trail Blazers officially announced on Friday that Sidi Sissoko's two-way contract has been converted to a standard contract. Sources indicate the contract will run until the end of the 2026/27 season.

The 21-year-old Sissoko is a 6'6" (1.98m) and 91kg (4.5kg) guard who will join the Trail Blazers on a two-way contract in February 2025. His extremely tough defensive performance has earned him a place in Portland's rotation.

So far this season, Sissoko has played 50 regular season games for the Trail Blazers, starting 24 of them. He is averaging 22.3 minutes per game, contributing 6.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists.

For the Trail Blazers, Sissoko's growth has alleviated some of the rotation pressure following the injuries of several players, including Mattis Thybulle and Blake Wesley. To make room for Sissoko, they also confirmed the release of 21-year-old swingman Rajon Rupert.

Rupert is a 1.98-meter tall, 88-kilogram swingman who was selected by the Portland Trail Blazers in the second round with the 43rd overall pick in 2023. To date, he has played 139 regular season games, averaging 3.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 12.0 minutes per game.

Image source: Internet/NBA official website