Detroit — The Detroit Pistons made significant roster changes on Day 2 of the 2026 NBA Draft. They traded with the New York Knicks to acquire the 53rd pick in the second round, which they used to select center Ugonna Onyenso from Virginia. This trade involved a cash deal, as confirmed by a source from The Detroit News on Wednesday night.
Onyenso, 21, played four seasons in college and three different programs. His final year came by playing as a member of the Virginia Cavaliers, averaging career-highs of 6.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 blocks in 36 games.
Before joining Virginia, the 7-foot center played two seasons at Kentucky and spent his junior year at Kansas State. He averaged 3.3 rebounds, 3.0 points, and 1.6 blocks through his first three college seasons.
Earlier in the night, the Pistons traded Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for three second-round picks. This was the second trade the Pistons made during the 2026 NBA Draft. On Tuesday night, they moved up from the 21st to the 17th pick to select Ebuka Okorie from Stanford.
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Pistons trade into second round to draft center Ugonna Onyenso
Reporting by Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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By Coty M. Davis, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
