In a calculated move to fortify their frontcourt, the San Antonio Spurs executed a draft-night trade with the Denver Nuggets, moving up to select UConn big man Tarris Reed Jr. with the 26th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The Nuggets used their first-round selection on Reed before promptly dealing his rights to San Antonio in exchange for the 35th overall pick and two future second-round selections. The transaction adds another imposing interior presence to a Spurs roster already anchored by Victor Wembanyama.
Reed, a 6-foot-10, 260-pound senior center from St. Louis, Missouri, brings proven physicality, rebounding instincts, and defensive versatility to a team committed to building a versatile, championship-caliber frontcourt. Over his two seasons in Storrs following a transfer from Michigan, the 22-year-old emerged as one of the more productive post players in college basketball, helping lead UConn to the national championship game this past spring.
A product of Chaminade College Preparatory School and Link Academy in Missouri, Reed has long been regarded as one of the region’s top big-man prospects. After developing steadily at Michigan, he elevated his game significantly at UConn, showcasing improved scoring efficiency around the rim, soft touch on hooks and finishes through contact, and a growing ability to facilitate from the elbows.
At the NBA Draft Combine, Reed measured with impressive length and strength that project well to the professional level. Scouts have lauded his motor, basketball IQ, and willingness to embrace a complementary role — attributes that should allow him to contribute in a reserve capacity early while developing into a more featured option over time.
For the Spurs, the addition of Reed continues a clear organizational directive: surround Wembanyama with size, athleticism, and defensive-minded pieces capable of competing in an increasingly positionless league. Reed’s rebounding and rim-protection skills should complement the Frenchman’s unique skill set, while his physical frame allows him to battle in the paint against Western Conference frontlines.
The Nuggets, meanwhile, exit the deal with additional future draft capital as they look to maintain flexibility around their core of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. While Reed represented a logical backup big option behind Jokić, the return of the 35th pick and two future seconds provides Denver with more avenues to build depth or pursue other roster improvements.
Reed is expected to participate in the Spurs’ summer league program, where he will have an immediate opportunity to showcase his readiness for the NBA stage. With a contract likely to include the standard rookie-scale guarantees for a late first-round selection, the St. Louis native now begins the professional chapter of a journey that started on Midwest courts.
For Tarris Reed Jr., the bright lights of the NBA await — and a city known for developing big men stands ready to welcome him.
