Nuggets sign DeRozan to one-year deal as roster reshaping continues
The Denver Nuggets have added veteran scorer DeMar DeRozan to their roster, a move that follows a significant trade involving Peyton Watson and signals a continued focus on depth around Nikola Jokic.
The Denver Nuggets have secured the services of six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan on a one-year contract worth $3.9 million. The signing, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, positions the 37-year-old scorer to bolster the supporting cast around star centre Nikola Jokic.
The move arrives just two days after the Nuggets sent forward Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a five-team trade. This rapid sequence of personnel changes suggests a deliberate restructuring of the roster as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
DeRozan became an unrestricted free agent after being waived by the Sacramento Kings in July. The Kings were able to release the veteran because only $10 million of his $25.7 million contract for the upcoming season was guaranteed. While other teams, including the Miami Heat and Washington Wizards, were reportedly interested, the Nuggets emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.
In the previous season, DeRozan played in 77 games for the Kings, averaging 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 49.7 per cent from the field. It marked the first time since the 2012-13 season that the veteran had averaged fewer than 20 points per game.
Despite the dip in scoring, DeRozan remains a durable and experienced presence, having played at least 74 games in each of the last five seasons. He currently ranks 18th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, a testament to his long-standing impact on the league.
The addition of DeRozan provides the Nuggets with another proven scorer who can manage his minutes effectively. As the team looks to maximise its window of contention, the integration of such a seasoned player into the rotation will be a key factor in their strategic planning.
