Sacramento Kings trade for 29th pick, select UConn forward Alex Karaban
The Sacramento Kings have traded the 34th pick in the NBA Draft to the Cleveland Cavaliers and have selected Alex Karaban with the 29th pick.
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The Sacramento Kings swung a late trade near the end of the NBA Draft’s opening round on Tuesday night, trading the 34th pick and a future second-round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers in return for the 29th pick.
With the 29th pick, Sacramento selected UConn forward Alex Karaban, a 6’8 forward who just recently earned NCAA All-Tournament honors for his performance during March Madness.
Karaban went through a pre-draft workout in Sacramento in recent weeks and was a player the franchise was keen on selecting with its 34th pick. As the night progressed, it became clear that some action was needed in order to land the two-time NCAA champion.
By executing a trade for a late first-round pick, Sacramento general manager Scott Perry put an exclamation point on an overall strong night that included the selection of guard Darius Acuff Jr. with the seventh pick.
STORRS ➡️ SACRAMENTO
Kings get a WINNER 🏆 pic.twitter.com/loVUON8rIK
— UConn Men’s Basketball (@UConnMBB) June 24, 2026
More on new Kings forward Alex Karaban
Alex Karaban brings a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree after spending four seasons at UConn.
The 6-foot-8 forward was a key contributor during one of the most successful stretches in program history, helping lead the Huskies to back-to-back national championships while appearing in three Final Fours.
During the 2025-26 season, the forward finished his college career averaging 13.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists as a senior while earning First Team All-Big East honors.
Over four NCAA seasons, Karaban shot 47 percent from the field, 37 percent from three-point range (5.2 attempts per game), and 84 percent from the free-throw line.
Known for his high basketball IQ and floor-spacing ability, Alex Karaban developed into one of the nation’s most reliable perimeter shooters.
Karaban became UConn’s all-time leader in three-pointers made and also set program records for games played, games started, minutes, and victories.
Karaban’s versatility allows him to impact games without needing the ball in his hands. He excels as an offensive connector, making quick decisions, moving without the ball, and providing secondary playmaking.
While questions remain about his overall athleticism and defensive limitations, his shooting, size, and championship experience make him an intriguing option for teams seeking an NBA-ready role player.
Scouts view the veteran forward as someone capable of contributing immediately thanks to his maturity, feel for the game, and proven track record of winning.
The Sacramento Kings trade back into the first round and select Alex Karaban with the 29th pick of the 2026 NBA Draft.
A lot to like with his winning pedigree, consistency, maturity, shooting, smarts, and toughness at 6’8″.
Potential culture-setter in Sacramento. pic.twitter.com/NXtWnSk7hF
— Jon Chepkevich (@JonChep) June 24, 2026
More Sacramento Kings content from Sactown Sports
What is the next Sacramento Kings Offseason Event?
The Sacramento Kings will now set their sights on the California Classic, with action set to run from July 4th through July 6th at Golden 1 Center.
New Kings point guard Darius Acuff Jr. (7th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft) will go head-to-head against Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (6th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft) at 2 pm PT on July 4th, right here in downtown Sacramento.
Be sure to remain locked into Sactown Sports for your Sacramento Kings Summer League news, analysis, and much more!
Upcoming Sacramento Kings & NBA Offseason Schedule
- Wednesday, June 24th – NBA Draft (Round 2)
- Tuesday, June 30th – NBA Free Agency negotiation period begins (3 PM PT)
- Saturday, July 4th – Monday, July 6th – California Classic at Golden 1 Center
- Thursday, July 9th – NBA Las Vegas Summer League begins
- Monday, July 13th – Free Agency moratorium ends / signings can become official
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Comments
1 Comments
Really solid player, knows what it takes to win. Has a strong two-way game and is a fairly good team defender even if only so-so in man to man. Kind of an HB type game without the athletic ability (of a younger Barnes).