Spurs trade – The Spurs moved from No. 35 to No. 26 in the 2026 draft to select Tarris Reed, while the Nuggets picked up two additional second-round choices—Minnesota’s 2028 pick and Sacramento’s 2031 pick—alongside No. 35.
By the time the 2026 draft board settled, one thing was clear: the Spurs were done waiting.
They traded up from No. 35 to No. 26 to select Tarris Reed. The deal gave the Nuggets more than just a swap. They are acquiring two additional second-round picks—Minnesota’s 2028 selection and Sacramento’s 2031 pick—along with No. 35.
Reed’s path to this moment has been anything but typical. He played for Michigan for two years before transferring to UConn in 2024 for his final two college seasons. After coming off the bench for the Huskies as a junior, the 6’11” big man became a full-time starter as a senior.
Over 35 appearances, Reed averaged 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks in 27.3 minutes per game. His size and effort were central to UConn’s run to the NCAA Tournament final, where the Huskies reached the championship game before falling to eventual champion Michigan.
The NBA-level pitch around Reed is pretty straightforward. He’s described as more of a traditional center—blocking shots, rebounding, and finishing around the basket—but not a three-point threat, and not especially comfortable defending out near the perimeter.
That style drew extra attention during March, when Reed put together a standout NCAA showing. He turned 23 in August, but he was already playing like the Spurs needed him now. In the tournament, he posted four double-doubles, including a 31-point, 27-rebound performance in the opening round versus Furman. He followed that with a record-setting Elite Eight performance against top-seeded Duke. totaling 26 points. nine rebounds. three assists. two steals. and four blocks in the team’s victory.
The Spurs’ willingness to trade up also lands in the shadow of a second decision they already made. Earlier, they selected another big man, Jayden Quaintance, at No. 20. But Jeremy Woo of ESPN reported that every team he spoke to believed the ex-Kentucky center would likely be sidelined to open his rookie season.
That belief isn’t abstract. Quaintance told the media shortly after he was selected that his surgically-repaired knee is “still in a little pain” and that it requires a second procedure to clean up his meniscus. His second surgery hasn’t been scheduled yet. and he isn’t sure whether he’ll be ready for training camp.
Put together, the Spurs’ draft choices look less like a gamble and more like a calculated hedge. Reed looks more like a ready-now option than Quaintance—who won’t turn 19 until next month despite being a sophomore. With Reed potentially able to slot in as the third-string center behind Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet. San Antonio gets affordable insurance in the middle while Quaintance continues to recover and develop.
Tarris Reed Spurs Nuggets 2026 draft Victor Wembanyama Luke Kornet Jayden Quaintance NCAA Tournament