DeRozan signs one-year deal with Denver Nuggets
The six-time All-Star joins the Nuggets as a veteran playmaker to complement Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, following his waiver by the Sacramento Kings.
Six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Denver Nuggets, according to sources cited by ESPN. The 37-year-old forward enters his 18th season in the league, selecting Denver after evaluating offers from the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, and New Orleans Pelicans during the free agency period.
The Nuggets’ front office and coaching staff made a concerted recruitment effort to secure DeRozan’s commitment. The organisation highlighted how his playmaking abilities would complement the existing talent of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. This addition is designed to provide a veteran presence in the backcourt, addressing a roster gap created by the recent trade of young wing Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a four-team deal.
DeRozan’s availability to the market followed his waiver by the Sacramento Kings, who moved to trim salary cap space. Only $10 million of his $25.7 million contract was guaranteed for the 2026-27 season. While there was mutual interest between DeRozan and the Miami Heat, with communication between the player and Bam Adebayo throughout the summer, the Heat prioritised Klay Thompson. The Heat are expected to sign Thompson once he clears waivers following a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks.
In his 17th season, DeRozan maintained his status as a reliable scorer, averaging 18.4 points on nearly 50% shooting. He appeared in all but five games, continuing a career-long trend of availability that includes playing in at least 70 games in each of the past five seasons. Prior to the most recent campaign, he had averaged at least 20 points in 12 consecutive seasons.
DeRozan’s career path includes nine years with the Toronto Raptors, followed by three seasons each with the San Antonio Spurs and Chicago Bulls. He joined the Sacramento Kings in 2024. Since his last five years with the Raptors, he has recorded just two winning seasons, with a single postseason appearance during his time in Chicago.
The signing positions DeRozan to compete in the Western Conference, where the Nuggets aim to bolster their forward rotation and offensive depth.
