DeMar DeRozan signs one-year minimum deal with Denver Nuggets
The six-time All-Star joins the Nuggets to bolster the forward rotation following the departure of Peyton Watson, raising questions about offensive fit within the team's spacing-heavy system.
DeMar DeRozan has agreed to a one-year, minimum-salary contract with the Denver Nuggets, marking the start of his 18th season in the National Basketball Association. The 37-year-old wing, who was recently waived by the Sacramento Kings, is set to join a roster that includes Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. According to multiple reports, the move is intended to address a gap in the forward rotation left by the trade of restricted free agent Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this week.
The Nuggets are looking to maintain competitiveness in the Western Conference after a first-round playoff exit last season. With teams such as the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder also vying for position, Denver aims to strengthen its wing rotation with DeRozan, Cameron Johnson, and Aaron Gordon. The addition is expected to provide an additional scoring option and on-ball creator for the team, particularly in situations where the primary playmakers are not on the court.
DeRozan averaged 20.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game over his last two seasons with the Kings, shooting 48.6% from the field. However, his integration into Denver’s offensive system presents specific challenges. The Nuggets’ strategy relies heavily on perimeter spacing to facilitate the Jokić-Murray two-man game, a role previously filled by Watson, who shot 41.1% from three-point range last season. In contrast, DeRozan’s career three-point shooting percentage stands at 32.5%, with the majority of his scoring coming from the midrange.
The stylistic difference extends beyond shooting percentages. DeRozan self-created more than 61% of his two-point baskets with Sacramento, whereas Watson was assisted on 65.2% of his two-point attempts last season. This raises questions about how coach David Adelman will balance these contrasting approaches within a system predicated on Jokić’s creation abilities. While DeRozan played more off the ball in Sacramento, his history of individual shot creation may require adjustment to align with the Nuggets’ collective offensive flow.
Optimists suggest that DeRozan could help helm the bench unit, which has historically been a weakness during Jokić’s tenure. His ability as a tough shotmaker may prove valuable when the three-time MVP is off the floor. Aaron Gordon is often cited as a successful example of a player who adapted to a smaller creative role alongside Jokić, though not all veterans are capable of making that adjustment, particularly those with significant individual accolades.
The signing may also influence fan perception regarding the franchise’s roster-building strategy during Jokić’s prime years. The earlier trade of Watson had already raised concerns about the team’s commitment to championship contention. DeRozan, despite his minimum salary, will bear expectations to help keep Denver in the contender tier, with his success hinging on his ability to adapt to the team’s specific offensive requirements.
