Topic / Subject
The Blazers converted Sidy Cissoko from a two-way to a standard NBA contract, with reporting citing a two-year deal — and Portland waived Rayan Rupert to make the roster math work.

TL;DR
Portland made a clear “we’re picking this guy” call between two young perimeter projects. The conversion looks real; the missing piece is the exact contract structure and what happens to Rupert next.

Key Details
• Portland converted Sidy Cissoko from a two-way contract to a standard NBA contract, per local coverage.
• Reporting cites ESPN’s Shams Charania saying the contract is for two years.
• Portland waived guard Rayan Rupert to create room for the move.
• Contract specifics beyond “two years” (salary, guarantees, options) weren’t disclosed in the announcement coverage.
• Rupert’s next step (claimed or clearing waivers) wasn’t confirmed at the time.

Breakdown
This is one of those moves that looks small on the surface and loud underneath. Two-way conversions are more than a “nice job, kid” moment — they’re protection. Portland is saying it wants Cissoko in the program on a real roster slot, not floating on the edge of availability rules.

The other part is the cold part: someone has to go. Waiving Rupert isn’t just a transaction, it’s a choice. The Blazers had multiple young pieces competing for developmental oxygen, and this move suggests they preferred Cissoko’s path, position, or fit enough to risk losing Rupert for nothing.

If the Shams-reported “two-year” label holds, that’s also meaningful. It hints Portland sees something worth more than a short tryout. But until the terms come out, we don’t know if this is truly two guaranteed years or a flexible structure that protects the team (partial guarantees, non-guaranteed season, team option language, etc.).

For Rupert, it’s instantly a waiting game. Waiver outcomes can swing based on league-wide injuries and roster needs, and young guards can be attractive as a low-cost development add. But there’s no guarantee he’s claimed, and there’s no confirmed next destination until the process plays out.

What We Know
• Cissoko was converted to a standard contract by Portland, per local reporting.
• Reporting cites Shams Charania saying it’s a two-year deal.
• Rupert was waived to open the roster spot.

What We Don’t Know
• The exact contract structure for Cissoko (guarantees, options, year-by-year salary).
• Whether Rupert is claimed, clears waivers, or signs elsewhere immediately.
• Whether Portland plans to add another two-way or depth piece right away.

Can This Actually Happen?
Yes — and it effectively already did, since the conversion and waiver were reported as completed actions. The only “rumor” element left is the fine print: “two years” can mean a lot of different things depending on guarantees and options.

Would It Even Make Sense?
For Portland, it makes sense if they believe Cissoko’s wing profile is the better long-term bet. Wings with size and defensive tools are harder to find than guards, and a standard-slot conversion locks in development time. Waiving Rupert is the gamble — but it also signals Portland was willing to be decisive instead of hoarding prospects.

Verdict Box
Likelihood: High
Why: The conversion and waiver are being reported as done; what’s still unclear is the contract’s exact structure and Rupert’s next landing spot.

What to Watch Next
• Full contract details for Cissoko (guarantees and any option language).
• Rupert’s waiver result and immediate next team (if any).
• Whether Portland replaces the lost depth with a two-way add or a minimum signing.

Sources
Blazers Edge — “Blazers Sign Cissoko to Two-Year Deal”
KPTV — “Blazers convert wing Sidy Cissoko to standard contract”

Comment
If you’re Portland, are you taking Cissoko over Rupert — or did the Blazers cut the wrong young piece?