Dekker was waived by the Raptors on Friday ahead of his contract guarantee date the following day, Blake Murphy of The Athletic reports.
The Raptors were figuring out ways to get below the NBA luxury tax, and freeing up Dekker's deal helped solve some of their problems. The Wisconsin native signed with Toronto in early August after spending two seasons overseas but was never able to carve out any sort of role. It'll now become a waiting game to see if another NBA team decides to scoop him up.
Dekker is returning to the NBA on a deal with the Raptors, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
Dekker spent two seasons overseas to work on developing a more consistent three-point shot. After shooting just 30.0 percent from three during his first season, the 2015 first-round pick found his stroke and shot 41.8 percent from beyond the arc last year. With Kyle Lowry leaving in free agency, the Raptors are expected to have a new look to their squad during the 2021-22 campaign. Dekker likely won't fit into the team's long-term plan as OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam are set to dominate the majority of Toronto's forward minutes, but the Wisconsin product will probably be given a few opportunities to prove that he belongs in the NBA.
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Sam Dekker: To sign overseas
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Dekker is expected to sign a contract with the Russian club Lokomotiv Kuban, Emiliano Carchia of Sportnado reports.
Dekker struggled to find a consistent role through his first four years in the NBA, seeing the most run with Houston in 2016-17. He averaged 6.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.0 assist across 18.4 minutes in 77 appearances. It seems likely there was little interest in Dekker as a free agent, so he'll head overseas to continue his professional basketball career. Considering he'll be entering just his age 25 season, an NBA comeback could be in the cards.
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Wizards' Sam Dekker: Doesn't get qualifying offer
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Dekker didn't have the qualifying offer extended to him by the Wizards, Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington reports.
The Wizards have until June 29th to extend Dekker the qualifying offer, otherwise, the former Wisconsin Badger will become an unrestricted free agent. In 38 games for Washington last year, Dekker averaged 6.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 16.3 minutes per game.
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Wizards' Sam Dekker: Doesn't play in Thursday's loss
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Dekker (DNP-Coach's Decision) did not see the court in Thursday's 113-108 loss to the Nuggets.
Dekker has appeared in just two of of the last five game while combining for only one point (0-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two dimes, and one board across 18 minutes of action. The 24-year-old forward had earned double-digit minutes in five straight games prior to this recent stretch. However, unless he suddenly starts earning ample minutes again he's unlikely to provide much value during the last nine games of 2018-19.
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Wizards' Sam Dekker: Cleared to play
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Dekker (back) is available Friday against the Hornets.
Dekker hasn't played in either of the past two games, but he could make his return Friday. Across his past four appearances, he's averaging 5.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 14.8 minutes.
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Wizards' Sam Dekker: Out with sore back
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Dekker (back) will not be available Wednesday against Orlando, NBC Sports Washington reports.
Dekker has battled a sore lower back at times this season, and he'll sit out Wednesday for the second consecutive game. Dekker's absence could mean a few extra minutes for Troy Brown or Jabari Parker.
Dekker (back) will be available for Tuesday's game against the Cavs.
As expected, Dekker will be good to go after missing Sunday's game against the Spurs with a minor back issue. The Wisconsin product rarely reaches the 20-minute plateau, but he's averaging 17.2 minutes per game off the bench since the start of January.
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Wizards' Sam Dekker: Expected to play
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Dekker (back) is on track to play Tuesday against Cleveland, Spencer Davies of Bball Insiders reports.
Although Dekker hasn't officially been cleared to play just yet, coach Scott Brooks believes both Ian Mahinmi and Dekker "should be good" for Tuesday's matchup. Expect a final decision on his status closer to tip.
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Wizards' Sam Dekker: Game-time call Tuesday
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Dekker (back) participated in shootaround and is a game-time decision for Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers.
Dekker was sidelined for Sunday's game against the Spurs due to back spasms, but going through shootaround does leave some optimism regarding his status for Tuesday. Dekker will likely test things out one last time in pregame warmups before a decision is made.
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Wizards' Sam Dekker: Questionable for Tuesday
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Dekker (back) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers.
Dekker was forced to miss the Wizards' last game with back spasms, and seems to still be suffering some of the effects of the injury. in the 13 games prior to Sunday's absence, he was playing 17.4 minutes per game. More information on his status should come out following Tuesday's morning shootaround.
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Wizards' Sam Dekker: Won't play Sunday
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Dekker (back) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Spurs.
Dekker was a late addition to Sunday's injury report due to a sore back, and it looks like after pregame warmups, it was determined he was not fit to play. His absence shouldn't have much of an impact on the Wizards' rotation.
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Wizards' Sam Dekker: Game-time decision Sunday
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Dekker is questionable for Sunday's game against San Antonio due to a sore back.
Dekker was a late addition to the injury report, and he'll likely test his back during the pregame to determine his availability. Even when healthy, he's struggled of late, scoring just two points over his previous two contests.
Dekker finished with 14 points (4-9 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT), four assists, three rebounds and two steals across 22 minutes Tuesday against the 76ers.
Dekker was able to crack double-digits in the scoring column for the fourth time in his Wizards tenure. He received 22 minutes of run Tuesday, a slight bump up from his normal workload, likely due to the fact the Wizards were getting blown out by the third quarter. At this points, Dekker's 17.0 minutes per game aren't enough for him to produce a consistent fantasy-relevant line, but if the Wizards decide to give some of their younger players an extended look down the stretch, he could be worth a look.
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Wizards' Sam Dekker: Returns Friday
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Dekker (undisclosed) returned to Friday's game against the Bulls, Fred Katz of The Athletic reports.
Dekker went to the locker room for an unspecified reason, but will return to Friday's tilt. It's possible he lands on the injury report for Saturday's game against the Hornets.
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Wizards' Sam Dekker: Back on bench
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Dekker (undisclosed) has returned to the bench after briefly going into the locker room earlier during Friday's game against Chicago, Fred Katz of The Athletic reports.
Dekker got the attention of a team trainer and went into the locker room during the first half of Friday's matchup, but he's back on the bench and appears ready to check back into the game when needed.
