Full Breakdown
Spurs Secure Frontcourt Depth by Trading for Tarris Reed Jr. in Draft-Day Deal with Nuggets
6/25/2026, 12:26:42 AM
Draft-Day Trade: Spurs Acquire Tarris Reed Jr.
The San Antonio Spurs sent the 35th overall pick and two future second-round selections to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for the 26th overall pick, which the Nuggets used to select center Tarris Reed Jr. The transaction gave San Antonio a 6-foot-10 front-court prospect and provided Denver with additional draft assets.
Player Profile: Tarris Reed Jr.
Reed, a 22-year-old who transferred from Michigan to UConn, posted 9.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 64.4 % field-goal shooting in his senior season. He added 2.3 assists, 2 blocks per game and forced opponents to shoot 56.2 % at the rim. He attempted no three-pointers and shot 58.2 % from the free-throw line.
Spurs’ Frontcourt Strategy
After the playoffs exposed limited depth behind Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs added size to back up Wembanyama and Luke Kornet. With rookie Jayden Quaintance expected to miss time, Reed is projected to serve as a third big, primarily off the bench, providing interior strength and rim protection.
Nuggets’ Salary-Cap Maneuvering
Denver received the 35th pick plus two future second-rounders (including 2028 and 2031 selections), expanding its draft capital while freeing a higher-value asset. The organization is seeking cap relief to re-sign restricted-free-agent wing Peyton Watson, reportedly considering the trade of veteran wing Christian Braun or Cam Johnson and using the Milwaukee Bucks’ $25.5 million trade exception to absorb salary. Media reports also note that, if cap space proves insufficient, Watson could be moved, with the Boston Celtics identified as a likely destination.
Official Statements & Responses
The article noted that “after their big-man depth was exposed in the playoffs, it makes sense that the front office wanted to add a few imposing players in the paint.” Nuggets officials are said to be “looking to move either of veteran wings Christian Braun or Cam Johnson” to create space for Watson’s contract, while the Bucks are positioned to “take back either player using the trade exception, allowing Denver to use that money on Watson.”
Criticism & Opposition
Critics point to Reed’s lack of perimeter shooting—no three-point attempts and a 58.2 % free-throw rate—limiting floor spacing. Defensively, he is prone to fouls, has sub-optimal positioning and struggled against a 7-foot-3 opponent in the NCAA championship, raising doubts about his ability to guard larger NBA centers. Consequently, expectations are that he will remain a bench-level rim protector.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Well, we thought we were done for the night, but the Spurs upped and surprised us and made a trade with the Denver Nuggets, accepting the 26th pick in exchange for the 35th pick and two future second round picks.” — Jeanna Kelley, Pounding The Rock
- “After their big man depth was exposed in the playoffs, it makes sense that the front office wanted to add a few imposing players in the paint.” — Jeanna Kelley, Pounding The Rock
- “Per ESPN's Tim Bontemps, in order to pay Watson, Denver will likely look to move either of veteran wings Christian Braun or Cam Johnson.” — Tim Bontemps, ESPN
- “The Bucks could take back either player using the trade exception, allowing Denver to use that money on Watson.” — Tim Bontemps, ESPN
- “In the hypothetical deal, the Celtics would land Watson with a freshly signed four-year, $103 million contract.” — Ryan Blackburn, Mile High Sports
- “For the Nuggets, they get back compensation for letting Watson walk,” — Ryan Blackburn, Mile High Sports
What’s Next
The Spurs will integrate Reed into their rotation as a third big, monitoring his development in the paint. Denver will continue exploring salary-saving moves, potentially trading Braun or Johnson to the Bucks and finalizing Watson’s re-signing. Both clubs retain additional second-round picks for future roster building.
