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Bilal Coulibaly, Wizards do not reach rookie-scale contract extension before deadline

Coulibaly, the seventh pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has established himself as Washington’s best perimeter defender.

By Josh Robbins · The Athletic

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 10:12 PM

Key Things to Know

Bilal Coulibaly and the Washington Wizards failed to reach a rookie-scale contract extension before Monday's deadline.
Coulibaly is expected to become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2027.
He has started 130 of 178 career regular-season games but is projected to begin this season as a reserve.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Bilal Coulibaly and the Washington Wizards did not reach an agreement on a rookie-scale contract extension before Monday's deadline. As a result, the 6-foot-8 French wing is expected to become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2027 if the Wizards make a qualifying offer.

Coulibaly, who was selected seventh overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, is likely to begin the season coming off the bench. This marks the first time that Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger and general manager Will Dawkins have not extended an eligible player on a rookie-scale deal.

Read the full article on The Athletic

Bilal Coulibaly, Wizards do not reach rookie-scale contract extension before deadline

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