News - Nuggets Part Ways with Forward Julian Reese

Julian Reese, a versatile 6'9" forward/center, recently transitioned from Washington to Denver in a trade associated with the Peyton Watson deal. Despite being over the second tax threshold, the Nuggets secured Reese thanks to the two-way contractual loophole exempt from impacting the salary cap. Having honed his skills at the University of Maryland for four years, Reese wasn't selected in the 2025 draft. He spent a significant portion of the 2025/26 season refining his abilities in the G League with Toronto's Raptors 905. His journey took a pivotal turn when he inked a two-year, two-way deal with the Wizards in late February. Yet, his tenure became uncertain as the Wizards turned their focus to their new draftee, Felix Okpara. Despite the odds, Reese demonstrated promising potential during his brief stint with a struggling Washington team, posting averages of 11.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.4 steals over 13 games, starting in 10, while clocking an average of 30.9 minutes each contest. Over the same period, his appearances totaled 41 with combined efforts for the Raptors 905 and the Capital City Go-Go. Speculations during the trade hinted at Reese's imminent release by the Nuggets, making today's news a foreseeable development. With Reese's departure, Denver is left with one vacant two-way contract slot, supplementing the existing contracts of guard KJ Simpson and 2026 draft pick Bryce Hopkins.