Sidy Cissoko becomes the 18th French player in the NBA with a two-way contract signed with the Blazers!
Sidy Cissoko Becomes the 18th French Player in the NBA with a Two-Way Contract Signed with the Blazers
The French NBA contingent just hit a new record: Sidy Cissoko has inked a two-way contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, making him the 18th French player under contract for the 2025/26 season. This fresh move, initially revealed back in February but mostly unnoticed, not only marks a high point for French basketball in the NBA but also highlights the evolving dynamics of two-way contracts and the faith franchises are showing in young international talent.
A Double Deal Under the Radar
On February 9, 2025, Cissoko, standing at 1.98 meters (6’6″) and just 21 years old, signed not one, but two two-way contracts with Portland—first for the tail-end of 2024/25, and then for the entire following season. This kind of back-to-back two-way signing was previously impossible, signaling Ori’s strong commitment to nurturing Cissoko’s development while keeping their options wide open thanks to the contract’s flexible nature.
A source close to the player confirmed, “Yes, he will be on the roster for 25/26, but on a two-way.” Cissoko’s deal, worth $630,000 for the upcoming season, features on the Blazers’ payroll listings for 2025/26—proof that the organization is set on giving the Frenchman a legitimate shot, even if there’s still some reserve baked in.
From G-League to NBA: A Journey in Progress
Since landing in Oregon, Cissoko’s been hustling. He saw action in five NBA games (averaging 2.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 12 minutes), eight G-League outings (with an impressive 15.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 30 minutes per game), and two Summer League matches (posting 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists over 24 minutes).
“It’s a joy to be here in Summer League. Everyone just wants to play basketball, like me—that’s awesome. I’m just doing what Chauncey and Joe asked: keep my eyes everywhere, play fast, press on defense, fight for every possession, and keep working on myself,” Cissoko shared with reporters before dropping a 20-point performance.
He’s been sharing the hardwood with fellow French prospect Rayan Rupert, both striving to impress Coach Chauncey Billups and GM Joe Cronin. At 21, they are two of the three youngest Blazers, trying to carve out a spot in the regular rotation.
French NBA Presence Hits Historic Highs
The significance of Cissoko’s signing stretches beyond his own career—it means there are now 18 French players on NBA contracts for the 2025/26 season, up from 15 at last season’s start. Notably, Cissoko is unique among his compatriots as the only one signed to a “non-guaranteed” or two-way deal; the rest have guaranteed contracts, underlining just how competitive it is to earn (and keep) a roster spot in the league.
Since 2022, French talent has been highly sought after in the draft, with at least four French rookies coming in each year—players bringing youth and tantalizing upside that franchises hope to develop into future stars. This strategy is paying off, with veterans like Rudy Gobert and Nicolas Batum still leading the way, while younger faces such as Victor Wembanyama, Bilal Coulibaly, and Ousmane Dieng carry the torch.
Cissoko’s journey, from playing in France to a taxing pre-draft process—he did 15 workouts before being picked 44th by the Spurs in 2023—shows just how much perseverance it takes. Now, like other young French players, he’s looking to prove himself and secure a long-term NBA future.
For more insight on French prospects in the NBA Summer League, check out this piece on Rayan Rupert.
Looking Ahead
The impact of French talent in the NBA has never been stronger. With the continued influx of promising youngsters and the backing of franchises keen on developing international players, the coming seasons promise to see even more French names making waves—whether on two-way contracts or aiming for those coveted guaranteed deals.
Source: www.bebasket.fr