Image Source: New York Post
Julian Reese is facing an uncertain next step after becoming part of a complicated five-team NBA trade. The Washington Wizards sent the young forward to the Denver Nuggets in a deal that also involved Peyton Watson, Max Strus, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Sacramento Kings.
Although Reese was included in the transaction, Denver is expected to waive him from his two-way contract. That development could force the 23-year-old to search for another NBA opportunity just months after he began showing promise in Washington.
Julian Reese Caught in a Dramatic Five-Team NBA Trade
The trade, reported on Aug. 20, 2026, was headlined by Watson moving from Denver to Cleveland and Strus heading from Cleveland to the Clippers. The Nuggets are also set to receive an unprotected 2031 first-round pick from the Cavaliers and a 2032 second-round pick from the Kings, according to ESPN.
Reese’s move appears to be more about completing the league-wide transaction than securing him a permanent place in Denver’s rotation. The Nuggets are reportedly expected to release him, leaving his immediate future unresolved despite his productive first stretch with the Wizards.
- Julian Reese was traded from Washington to Denver.
- The transaction involved five NBA teams.
- Peyton Watson is expected to sign a four-year, $88 million contract with Cleveland.
- Denver is expected to waive Reese from his two-way deal.
- The Nuggets will receive valuable future draft assets in the agreement.
Promising Wizards Numbers Make the Move More Surprising
Reese went undrafted out of Maryland in 2025 before eventually signing a two-way contract with Washington. His NBA debut came in March against the Houston Rockets, when he scored two points and added four rebounds and three steals. The performance also included six fouls and four turnovers as he adjusted to the pace and physicality of professional basketball.
He later settled into a more productive role for a rebuilding Wizards team. Across 13 games, Reese averaged 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds while playing more than 30.9 minutes per game. He shot 52 percent from the field, numbers that suggested he could develop into a useful frontcourt player with additional opportunities.
Those statistics make the expected waiver especially notable. Reese has not yet established himself as a full-time NBA player, but his rebounding, interior scoring and physical presence gave Washington a reason to keep evaluating him. Now, he may have to begin that process again with another organization.
What the Trade Means for Denver and Cleveland
For Denver, the transaction is primarily tied to roster construction and future assets. The Nuggets are adding draft capital while clearing space connected to a broader reshuffling of players. Reese’s expected release would allow him to pursue a new contract elsewhere rather than remain with Denver long term.
Cleveland, meanwhile, is making an aggressive effort to reshape its roster after being swept by the eventual NBA champion New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals. Watson is expected to receive a new four-year deal worth $88 million, including a player option and a trade kicker.
The Cavaliers also recently moved Dennis Schroder to the Charlotte Hornets for Tre Mann, while Strus was sent to the Clippers. Other draft selections and cash were included in the broader series of transactions, illustrating how several separate moves were connected through the five-team deal.
Angel Reese Continues Her Own Strong Season
Julian’s situation comes as his sister, Angel Reese, continues to build momentum in the WNBA. She is averaging 15.7 points and 12 rebounds per game in her first season with the Atlanta Dream, who sit in fifth place in the overall league standings.
The siblings are both drawing attention in professional basketball, but their current paths have taken very different turns. Angel is enjoying a prominent role in Atlanta, while Julian must wait to learn where his next opportunity will come from.
For now, the expected waiver does not end Reese’s NBA hopes. His production in Washington could attract teams looking for frontcourt depth, particularly clubs seeking a young rebounder on a flexible contract. His next chance may come through another two-way agreement, a training-camp invitation or a G League assignment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Julian Reese
What happened to Julian Reese?
Julian Reese was traded from the Washington Wizards to the Denver Nuggets as part of a five-team NBA transaction. Denver is expected to waive him from his two-way contract.
How did Julian Reese perform with Washington?
Reese averaged 11.8 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 52 percent from the field across 13 games for the Wizards.
Was Julian Reese drafted?
No. Reese went undrafted out of Maryland in 2025 before signing a two-way contract with Washington.
What was the larger NBA trade about?
The deal included Peyton Watson moving to Cleveland, Max Strus going to the Clippers and multiple future draft selections changing hands.
Is Julian Reese’s NBA career over?
No. If Denver waives him, Reese can pursue another NBA opportunity, including a new two-way contract or a roster invitation with another team.
