Joshua Jefferson

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson was selected with the 28th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets.

Jefferson became the 42nd player in Iowa State history to be chosen in the NBA Draft and the 11th first-round selection.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the trade before the completion of Tuesday’s first round, saying that Jefferson’s trade from Minnesota to Brooklyn was agreed to in principle and not yet finalized.

Jefferson was the fifth consensus All-American in Cyclone history, becoming the first Iowa State player to post multiple triple-doubles in Big 12 Conference play.

This past winter, Jefferson averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game. He was the only player from Power Conference teams to achieve those numbers.

Jefferson scored in double figures in 34 of the 35 games he played for the 29-8 Cyclones, but an injury ended his season in the opening round of NCAA Tournament play.

Jefferson was a Naismith Trophy semifinalist and a Karl Malone Power Forward of the Year finalist, eventually earning All-American honors from six different organizations. He was a first-team all-Big 12 pick as a senior and a second-team selection as a junior. He was also named to the Big 12’s All-Newcomer Team two years ago after transferring to Iowa State from Saint Mary’s.