Nuggets waive Julian Reese, brother of WNBA star Angel

Julian Reese‘s stay with the Nuggets was even shorter than Cam Whitmore‘s stay with the Cavaliers.

Denver has waived Reese, according to the NBA’s official transaction log, after acquiring the 23-year-old big man from Washington as part of last week’s five-team Peyton Watson trade.

The move was expected. Reese was on a two-way contract, so the Nuggets were able to take him back in the deal despite operating above the second tax apron. He wasn’t considered part of Denver’s plans once the trade was completed.

Still, Reese showed some interesting things late last season with the Wizards.

The 6-foot-9 forward/center averaged 11.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals in 13 appearances, including 10 starts.

Granted, those numbers came for a Washington team that wasn’t exactly chasing a playoff spot. But a double-double is a double-double.

Reese, the brother of WNBA star Angel Reese, went undrafted out of Maryland in 2025 and spent most of his rookie season in the G League. He averaged 8.7 points and 7.4 rebounds in 41 G League appearances before getting his opportunity with Washington.

Denver now has an opening among its three two-way spots. Guard KJ Simpson and second-round pick Bryce Hopkins occupy the other two.

As for Reese, those 13 games with Washington should at least give another team something to consider. 

He won’t be a Nugget, though. That part lasted about a week.