Blockbuster NBA Alert: Former Buckeye Star Malaki Branham Traded to Washington Wizards in Major Deal Shakeup
In a move that sent shockwaves through NBA circles and ignited conversations among basketball fans and analysts alike, Malaki Branham — the promising young guard and former Ohio State standout — is heading to the Washington Wizards as part of a stunning trade agreement finalized earlier today. The deal marks a significant shift in direction for both the San Antonio Spurs and the Wizards, signaling long-term strategic plans that go well beyond the 2025 season.
According to multiple sources, the San Antonio Spurs have agreed to send Branham and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for veteran wing Corey Kispert and cash considerations. The trade, while not centered around an NBA superstar, has nevertheless drawn massive attention due to the development potential of Branham and what the move signifies for both franchises.
Branham, selected 20th overall by the Spurs in the 2022 NBA Draft, entered the league with considerable expectations after a stellar freshman season at Ohio State. Known for his smooth mid-range game, scoring instincts, and mature approach to the game, Branham showed flashes of brilliance during his first two years in the NBA but struggled to find consistent minutes in San Antonio’s crowded backcourt, which includes rising stars like Tre Jones and Devin Vassell.
Despite averaging a modest 7.3 points per game in the 2024-25 season, Branham remained a tantalizing prospect. His shooting mechanics, off-the-dribble creation, and size at the guard spot made him a frequent topic of trade discussions leading into the offseason. The Wizards, who are in the early stages of a rebuild, appear to have bought low on a player who still has significant upside.
For the Wizards, acquiring Branham is a low-risk, high-reward play. Washington has been actively seeking young talent to develop alongside recent draft picks like Bilal Coulibaly and Jared McCain. Branham’s addition gives the Wizards a versatile combo guard who can contribute immediately but also has room to grow into a more prominent role.
Team sources indicate that Washington views Branham as a potential building block — someone who could emerge as a key contributor once given consistent minutes and developmental support. With Jordan Poole’s long-term future uncertain and Tyus Jones entering free agency next summer, Branham could very well find himself as a starter by mid-season.
From San Antonio’s standpoint, the move is part of a broader push to surround their generational talent, Victor Wembanyama, with shooters and veterans who can space the floor and make life easier for the 7’4″ phenom. Kispert, known for his elite three-point shooting, brings much-needed spacing to the Spurs’ offense, which often became bogged down by inconsistent perimeter play.
Kispert shot 39.5% from beyond the arc last season and has consistently ranked among the league’s most efficient catch-and-shoot threats. While his ceiling isn’t as high as Branham’s, the Spurs clearly value his immediate impact and fit alongside Wembanyama and rising forward Jeremy Sochan.
San Antonio has also accumulated a war chest of draft assets over the last three years and can afford to part with a developmental player like Branham in favor of win-now contributors as they aim to end their playoff drought.
For Malaki Branham, the trade to Washington could be a defining moment. He moves from a team loaded with young guards to a roster where opportunities for growth and playing time are far more accessible. If given the green light by Wizards head coach Brian Keefe, Branham could become a go-to scorer off the bench or even slide into a starting role as the team evaluates its long-term backcourt future.
The move also represents a chance for Branham to re-establish his value league-wide. At just 22 years old, he still possesses all the tools that made him a first-round pick: shot creation, smooth mechanics, and a calm demeanor under pressure. Washington’s developmental staff will be tasked with unlocking his full potential — something the Spurs never fully committed to.
The trade has triggered a flurry of reactions from fans and analysts across the NBA landscape. Wizards fans appear cautiously optimistic, hoping that Branham can blossom into a dynamic scorer now that he’s out from under the Spurs’ crowded rotation.
Meanwhile, Spurs fans are divided — some disappointed to see a young talent depart, while others applaud the front office for prioritizing fit and shooting around Wembanyama. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins called the deal “a win for both sides,” noting that “Branham’s got starter upside, and the Spurs needed more snipers if they want to make the playoffs next year.”