The Suns drafted DaRon Holmes II, but then sent him to the Nuggets in a draft night trade.
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The Denver Nuggets added additional frontcourt support from reigning Kia MVP Nikola Jokic, while the Phoenix Suns added depth to their backcourt.
In a trade on draft night, Denver acquired the rights to DaRon Holmes II (pick No. 22) from Phoenix in exchange for Ryan Dunn (pick No. 28), the No. 56 pick in the 2024 draft, and second-round picks in 2026 and 2031.
Get Nuggets:
Get sun:
- Ryan Dunn (28th choice)
- 56. Overall selection
- 2026 second-round pick
- 2031 second-round pick
Our pick of the day!
We have chosen Dayton Center DaRon Holmes II through a trade with the Phoenix Suns that has not yet been completed ⚒️#NBADraft X #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/J9Ql3vhw8B
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) 27 June 2024
Say 👋 to the newest sun! pic.twitter.com/Tvhvdh2pEt
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) 27 June 2024
Holmes was one of the nation’s leading scorers at Dayton, averaging 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.1 blocks per game last season. At 6-foot-1, he can provide Denver with value in the pick-and-roll game with his ability to shoot the ball, finish close to the basket and defend multiple positions.
Last season, veteran DeAndre Jordan was one of Jokic’s key backups, and Zeke Nnaji was also in that rotation. Nnaji got a contract extension last summer, but Jordan is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and signing Holmes gives Denver insurance should they decide not to re-sign Jordan.
Dunn will give Phoenix some youth and defensive talent on the wings. The 6-foot-6 guard averaged 8.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game last season and is known as a strong rebounder and defender. He will join a Phoenix backcourt that includes Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and Grayson Allen and should be able to compete for minutes as a backup in that group.
