​Former Duke standout Isaiah Evans, a former Blue Devil, was not allowed to take the court for Minnesota in the opening game of the 2026 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas due to an outstanding trade hold. Evans, who wore jersey No. 33 as the 2026 NBA Draft selection, was acquired by the Minnesota Timberwolves from the Brooklyn Nets in a deal connected to Julius Randle. Because the trade must be finalized before Evans can officially join the Timberwolves, he remained sidelined for the first game while the paperwork works through.
According to industry insider updates from Yossi Gozlan, the trade is not officially complete until July 9, and there is a possibility that the process could extend beyond that date. The delay means Evans will have to wait until the transactions are finalized before he can suit up for his new NBA team in earnest. The summer league schedule, which features a slate of teams and rising stars, often hinges on the timely completion of such trades, especially when top prospects or high-profile picks are involved.
If everything proceeds as planned, Evans is expected to be cleared to make his Timberwolves debut on Saturday, July 11. The timeline suggests that once the trade is finalized, Evans could be available for Minnesota’s upcoming summer league game or practices, allowing fans to finally see him in a Wolves uniform. The team’s opening appearance in the event, played today, saw Minnesota come away with a 105-92 victory over New Orleans, marking a solid start to their summer league campaign despite Evans’ absence.
The move to add Evans aligns with Minnesota’s broader summer league strategy, as the Timberwolves look to evaluate the former Duke guard’s fit within their system and his potential to contribute at the NBA level. Evans, known for his scoring ability, shot-making, and versatility on the perimeter, would add depth and potential scoring punch to Minnesota’s roster if he can quickly integrate into the team’s offensive and defensive schemes. The delayed debut, while disappointing for fans eager to see him in action, is a common scenario in professional basketball where trades and roster paperwork can temporarily stall a player’s availability.
Duke fans and basketball enthusiasts have followed Evans’ career with interest, particularly given his standout performances during his time with the Blue Devils. His combination of size, guard skills, and competitive fire made him a compelling prospect for NBA teams drafting in the middle rounds and pursuing development players with potential upside. The 2026 draft class, featuring a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, has produced several intriguing storylines as players transition to the NBA and seek immediate impact with new franchises.
As the trade between Brooklyn and Minnesota moves toward final approval, Evans’ role with the Timberwolves will hinge on how quickly the necessary legal and league approvals can be processed. Once the trade is officially completed, Evans will join the Timberwolves’ summer league squad and, if he demonstrates readiness, could potentially contribute in upcoming regular-season opportunities as the team evaluates its depth and long-term roster plan. For now, the possibility of a July 11 debut remains an optimistic milestone for Evans, his supporters, and Minnesota basketball fans who are eager to watch him take the court in a Timberwolves uniform.
This overview reflects ongoing reporting and insights from industry sources regarding the pending trade and Evans’ expected arrival in Minnesota. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for official confirmations from the Timberwolves and the NBA, as well as updates on Evans’ status and potential debut date once the trade is formally finalized. The evolving situation continues to be a notable subplot of the 2026 summer league season, illustrating how roster moves, player development, and strategic planning intersect in the early stages of a new NBA chapter for Isaiah Evans.