Sixteen Former Arizona Wildcats Named to NBA Rosters for 2026-27 Season

Here is a list of the Wildcats currently in the NBA, presented alphabetically:

Tobe Awaka signed a two-way contract with the Chicago Bulls and enters his rookie season after going undrafted. Making the Bulls' opening day roster is a positive sign for his career prospects.

Deandre Ayton was traded to the Washington Wizards in July after a season with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is expected to serve as a bench player behind Anthony Davis for a team that also has top draft pick AJ Dybantsa. Last year, Ayton recorded career lows with an average of 12.5 points and 8 rebounds per game.

Jaden Bradley signed a four-year, $9.3 million contract with the Toronto Raptors this offseason, indicating a strong impression during training. Although he starts lower on the team's depth chart, expectations are high for him.

Carter Bryant is entering his second season with the San Antonio Spurs after averaging 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in limited playing time as a rookie. He will seek to increase his offensive contribution this season.

Brayden Burries, selected as the 10th overall pick in the NBA Draft, is anticipated to have an immediate impact with the Milwaukee Bucks, though he is not projected to start. Tyler Herro is expected to take the starting shooting guard position, with Burries serving as a backup.

Aaron Gordon, entering his 13th NBA year, is recognized for his consistency and production, despite a tough previous season marred by injuries. Reports suggest he is healthy and ready to return to form.

Josh Green is now with the Utah Jazz after a late-August trade from the Charlotte Hornets. He hopes to increase his scoring from last year's average of 4.3 points per game as he joins forces with Lauri Markkanen.

Keshad Johnson is in his third season with the Miami Heat as a two-way player. Last season, he doubled his appearances and averaged 4.3 points and 1.9 rebounds, facing competition for court time.

Pelle Larsson signed a lucrative four-year, $60 million contract with the Heat. Though he may not start initially, he is coming off a strong season averaging 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.

Caleb Love joined the Philadelphia 76ers, creating a new opportunity after his time in Portland where he averaged 10.4 points. He may face limited minutes in a crowded backcourt.

Lauri Markkanen tops the ex-Wildcats in salary with a $46 million base. He averaged 26.7 points last season, although he missed much of it due to injury, and is seen as a key player for the Utah Jazz.

Bennedict Mathurin joined the New Orleans Pelicans on a two-year contract after previously playing for the Pacers and Clippers. He has averaged 17.6 points and is expected to continue his role as a sixth man.

TJ McConnell enters the season with an undisclosed injury that sidelined him through the preseason. Once healthy, he is expected to provide leadership for the Indiana Pacers backcourt, adding 9.4 points and 5.1 assists last year.

Zeke Nnaji remains with the Denver Nuggets as a backup player, having averaged 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds last season, but faces questions about his role moving forward.

Koa Peat was drafted 30th overall by the Phoenix Suns, where he hopes to become a fan favorite despite limited offensive performance in preseason play.

Brandon Williams joins the Golden State Warriors after spending three seasons with the Mavericks, where he averaged a career-high 13 points last season. He will vie for backup minutes under coach Steve Kerr.