Julian Reese, brother of WNBA player Angel Reese, has been traded from the Washington Wizards to the Denver Nuggets as part of a five-team NBA transaction. The Nuggets are reportedly expected to waive Reese off his two-way contract.
The trade, which also involved Peyton Watson moving to the Cavaliers and Max Strus to the Clippers, saw Denver acquire an unprotected 2031 first-round pick from Cleveland and a 2032 second-round selection from Sacramento. Reese, 23, went undrafted in 2025 out of Maryland before signing a two-way deal with the Wizards. He made his NBA debut in March against the Rockets, recording two points, four rebounds, and three steals in limited minutes.
Reese finished his time with the Wizards averaging 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds over 13 games, playing an average of over 30 minutes per contest. His NBA career is expected to restart after being waived by the Nuggets.
The broader trade involved several team movements. The Cavaliers are reportedly signing Peyton Watson to a four-year, $88 million deal. Cleveland also recently acquired Dennis Schroder from the Hornets and Max Strus. As part of other dealings within the five-team framework, the Clippers are sending a 2027 second-round pick to Cleveland, and the Cavaliers are sending a 2027 second-round pick and cash to Washington for Cam Whitmore.
Angel Reese is currently in her first season with the WNBA's Chicago Sky, averaging 15.7 points and 12 rebounds per game. The Sky are currently fifth in the overall WNBA standings.