BREAKING: Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns Make Trade to bluster depth
The Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns have made a trade.
One of the most exciting parts of NBA Draft night isn’t just the selections, but also the trades that take place. Although there haven’t been any major blockbuster trades between teams yet, the action has already begun.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the Denver Nuggets have traded the 28th pick, 56th pick, and two future second-round picks to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for the 22nd pick in the draft.
Denver has landed the Suns' pick at No. 22, source tells ESPN. The Nuggets are sending Phoenix No. 28, No. 56 and two future seconds.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 27, 2024
The Phoenix Suns used the 22nd pick to select DaRon Holmes II, who will be moving to Denver. Holmes, a 21-year-old power forward standing at 6’10” and weighing 235 pounds, had a college career at Dayton College from 2021 to 2024. In 2024, he posted impressive stats, averaging 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 54% from the field, 39% from beyond the arc, and 71% from the free-throw line.
During his college career, Holmes achieved several distinctions, including being named Consensus second-team All-American and Atlantic 10 co-Player of the Year in 2024. He was also a two-time First-team All-Atlantic 10 (in 2023 and 2024), Second-team All-Atlantic 10 in 2022, Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2024, and Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year in 2022.
At present, the Denver Nuggets have Peyton Watson as the backup in the power forward and center positions. The addition of DaRon Holmes could help alleviate the pressure on Watson and provide significant support off the bench. However, it remains to be seen how much playing time Denver will allocate to Holmes.