DeMar DeRozan Signs $3.9 Million Deal With Denver Nuggets

Six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan has agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Denver Nuggets following his release from the Sacramento Kings.

Six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan finalized a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Denver Nuggets on Friday, August 21, 2026. The veteran forward arrives in Colorado following a season where he averaged 18.4 points per game and converted nearly 50% of his field goal attempts. This transaction occurs after the Sacramento Kings waived the 37-year-old to reduce their luxury tax burden, a move that left the athlete with $10 million in guaranteed money from his previous $25.7 million salary for the 2026-27 cycle.

Key details

Denver secured the playmaker’s services despite competing interest from the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, and Miami Heat. The Nuggets front office emphasized his durability, noting that the forward missed only five contests during his 17th professional campaign. Statistics confirm he has participated in at least 70 matchups in each of the last five consecutive years, maintaining a level of physical reliability that few active players can match. Before his most recent stint, he had achieved a scoring average exceeding 20 points for 12 straight seasons.

Recruitment efforts led by the Nuggets coaching staff focused on integrating the veteran into a rotation featuring Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. During negotiations, team officials presented a blueprint where the newcomer serves as a secondary offensive engine to alleviate pressure on the starting backcourt. The one-year duration of the agreement provides the player with immediate championship contention while allowing the franchise to maintain future financial flexibility.

The Miami Heat were previously considered a frontrunner for the veteran’s signature, largely due to a close relationship between the forward and Bam Adebayo. However, the South Beach organization pivoted their strategy to prioritize Klay Thompson. Reports indicate Miami is currently waiting for Thompson to clear waivers following a buyout agreement with the Dallas Mavericks. This strategic shift by the Heat front office effectively removed the primary obstacle for Denver to land their target.

Latest developments

Spanning a career that began in 2009, this move represents the fifth franchise for the former USC standout. His journey includes a foundational nine-year period in Toronto, followed by three-year tenures with both the San Antonio Spurs and the Chicago Bulls. After spending two seasons in Sacramento, he now transitions to the Mile High City to bolster a bench that ranked in the bottom half of the league in veteran scoring last year.

Analysts point to his mid-range efficiency as a critical asset for a Denver squad that relies heavily on floor spacing. By shooting 49.8% from the floor last season, the veteran proved his scoring mechanics remain effective despite the league's trend toward three-point volume. His ability to draw fouls and convert at the free-throw line offers the Nuggets a tactical advantage in late-game scenarios where the pace of play typically slows down.

The acquisition also addresses Denver's need for locker room leadership following recent roster departures. With over 1,100 career games under his belt, the new addition brings a wealth of postseason experience to a locker room aiming for its second title in four years. The front office viewed the $3.9 million price point as an exceptional value for a player who was an All-NBA selection as recently as 2022.

Training camp for the 2026-27 season is scheduled to begin in late September, where the coaching staff will begin experimenting with small-ball lineups featuring the veteran at the power forward position. This versatility allows the Nuggets to maintain an aggressive offensive posture even when their primary stars are resting. The signing officially fills one of the final remaining spots on the 15-man standard roster, signaling that Denver’s major offseason business is likely concluded.