11:58 pm: The trade sending Onyenso to Detroit for cash is official, the Knicks confirmed (via Twitter).
9:04 pm: The Pistons are acquiring the draft rights to Virginia big man Ugonna Onyenso from the Knicks, according to Jeff Goodman of Field of 68 (Twitter link).
Onyenso was drafted with the 53rd overall pick, which New York agreed to acquire from Houston in a deal earlier tonight. Detroit is sending cash to the Knicks in order to secure Onyenso’s rights, reports Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link).
The Nigerian center ranked second in the country in blocked shots this season with 2.9 per game in 18.6 minutes per night. He has a 9’5″ standing reach and is considered to be one of the best rim protectors in the draft, according to Jon Chepkevich of DraftExpress (Twitter link). However, Onyenso’s offense is limited away from the basket and he shot just 27.8% from three-point range.
Onyenso developed his skills at NBA Academy Africa before coming to the United States. He spent two years at Kentucky and one with Kansas State before turning in his best collegiate season with the Cavaliers, serving as the defensive anchor of a 30-6 team.
Because they’re sending out cash in the deal, the Pistons will be hard-capped at the second tax apron, notes Keith Smith of Spotrac (Twitter link). Detroit is currently far away from that threshold and likely won’t get all that close to it even after it completes its offseason roster moves.
