Arizona's NBA alumni had a busy offseason on the move, with three former Wildcats landing with new teams in a matter of days — a flurry of roster activity that underscores the program's continued pipeline to the pros.
Josh Green Heads to Utah — and a Wildcat Reunion
The most notable transaction came via trade. Josh Green was dealt from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Utah Jazz, with Minnesota sending Green and cash in exchange for John Konchar. The move was cap-driven — the Timberwolves needed to shed salary to create room under the second-apron hard cap, clearing space to sign Jonathan Kuminga.
The result is an unlikely Wildcat reunion in Salt Lake City. Green and Jazz star Lauri Markkanen never overlapped at Arizona — both were one-and-done players in different seasons — but they'll now share a locker room. The Jazz enter 2026–27 as a projected Western Conference dark horse, with ESPN forecasting a breakout candidacy built around Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Keyonte George. Green's arrival adds another athletic wing to a roster trying to make noise in a crowded West.
Mathurin Trades LA for New Orleans
Bennedict Mathurin is heading to New Orleans after agreeing to a two-year, $16 million deal with the Pelicans that includes a player option — a contract structure ESPN's Shams Charania described as Mathurin prioritizing flexibility and an earlier path to unrestricted free agency. The Clippers, who held a qualifying offer on Mathurin, were expected to withdraw it and let him walk.
The deal is a calculated bet on upside. Mathurin was a standout at Arizona before going in the lottery, and the player-option structure gives him a chance to reset his market value if he rebounds with a strong season in New Orleans.
Brandon Williams Joins Golden State
Rounding out the trio, Brandon Williams signed a one-year, $2.6 million contract with the Golden State Warriors — reuniting him with a franchise known for developing guards. Williams is coming off a career-best season with the Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged 13 points and 3.9 assists. The one-year deal puts him in competition for rotation minutes, with Golden State's signings leaving room for in-camp battles.
Three different landing spots, three different contract situations — but the common thread is a program that keeps sending guards and wings into the NBA conversation. For Arizona fans, the 2026–27 season will offer no shortage of former Wildcats to track across the league standings.
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