DeMar DeRozan will join the Denver Nuggets on a one-year agreement and begin his 18th season in the NBA. The 37-year-old wing, a six-time All-Star, arrives after closing his spell with the Sacramento Kings.
One-year minimum deal
The deal is set at the veteran minimum of $3.9 million for a scorer who averaged 18.4 points last season in Sacramento following his buyout departure from the Kings, an agreement still pending formal completion that was reported by CBS Sports — NBA and BasketUniverso and addresses Denver's need for perimeter shot creation after a first-round playoff exit in a deep Western Conference.
Fit with Nikola Jokic
The fit alongside Nikola Jokic will define the move. DeRozan brings mid-range scoring, post-up craft for a guard and late-clock creation to complement Jokic's playmaking and the two-man game with Jamal Murray. His presence should help sustain offense during Jokic's bench minutes and raise the ceiling in the playoffs.
Context after Peyton Watson departure
The signing comes shortly after Peyton Watson left Denver. The restricted free agent was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for a 2031 first-round pick and a 2032 second-round pick for salary reasons. Watson had been a key rotation piece on the wing, and his exit created a gap that Denver now fills with veteran scoring and experience.
