Cavaliers draft, trades UConn legend to Kings for multiple picks

The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the 2026 NBA Draft anticipated to land a UConn basketball star. Except Alex Karaban landed at No. 29 over the projected pick Tarris Reed. But Karaban to Cleveland became short-lived thanks to the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento emerged as one of the more aggressive teams on draft night. Cleveland accepted its trade offer involving the 29th pick for No. 35 and a future second rounder, per ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania.

Karaban adds a strong post presence and long-range shooting option for Sacramento. He could’ve boosted the front court help after the way the New York Knicks pushed around Cleveland. Cavs fans watched the eventual NBA Finals winners sweep the series. That outcome helped spark the Karaban pick at first until Sacramento intervened.

The Kings, meanwhile, kicked off their stellar draft night taking Arkansas sharpshooter Darius Acuff Jr. at No. 7 overall. Acuff comes in as a potential new lead scorer and point guard leader for aging NBA All-Star Russell Westbrook. He adds needed depth in the backcourt, an area decimated by injuries this past season for the Kings.

The 29th pick also came via the Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs. All before Cleveland and Sacramento worked out the deal. So now the Eastern Conference runner-up holds no second round selection unless the Cavs attempt to trade back in.

Sacramento adds new draft capital in the process. The Kings, who will once again be led by franchise legend at head coach Doug Christie, own two Wednesday selections at the newly acquired 34th pick and No. 45.

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