Wizards Trade Up for Defensive Asset Felix Okpara with No. 46 Pick

WASHINGTON — The Wizards seized an opportunity on Wednesday night to acquire a defensively‑skilled developmental prospect.

Washington obtained the draft rights to Tennessee forward Felix Okpara, the 46th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, by sending the 51st and 60th selections to the Orlando Magic.

Okpara, who boasts a 9‑foot‑4‑inch standing reach, capped his senior season by earning a spot on the 2025‑26 SEC All‑Defensive team.

“He’s unique in that he can switch, but he also protects the rim and blocks shots and gets steals, and (he) does it with a low foul rate for someone that protects the rim at that level,” Wizards general manager Will Dawkins said.

Offensively, Okpara is still raw. He grew up in Nigeria, focusing on soccer before transitioning to basketball, and he applies the footwork he honed on the pitch to defend perimeter players. After two years at Ohio State, he transferred to Tennessee.

Players selected late in the second round often receive two‑way contracts, splitting time between the NBA and the G League. Okpara’s situation will likely follow that pattern.

“We’ll have that conversation, bring him to town and work with his agent,” Dawkins said. “We’ll get him into summer league, assess his fit, and have a clearer picture as free agency approaches.”

Washington’s front office entered the offseason looking to add depth at the forward/center positions—through free agency or additional trades—to complement the current roster of Alex Sarr, Anthony Davis and Tristan Vukčević.

Adding Okpara does not alter that strategy, Dawkins noted.

“We’ll still target big‑man depth in free agency,” he said. “But we like the versatility we have now: floor spacing from Tristan, rim protection from Felix, plus energy and youth. We’ll likely look to supplement Alex and Anthony further.”

Felix Okpara blocked 1.5 shots per game during his senior season at Tennessee. (Steve Roberts / Imagn Images)

The Wizards finished the 2025‑26 campaign 29th in the league for defensive‑rebounding percentage.

Okpara posted 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game as a senior, shooting 59.7 percent from the field.

Amber Nichols, the Wizards’ director of amateur evaluation, described his offensive game as “a lob threat, a rim runner, a play finisher.”

At the NBA Draft Combine, Okpara measured 6 feet 10 inches without shoes.

Beyond measurable skills, his intangibles impressed the organization.

He plays with relentless energy, and teammates often cite him as a favorite presence in the locker room.

“He’s always supportive, vocal, and aware of positioning on the floor,” Nichols said. “His teammates enjoy his company off the court as well. Those qualities make him a connector on the team.”

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