DeMar DeRozan Agrees to One-Year, $3.9 Million Deal With Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets are adding another accomplished scorer to their championship push, with six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan agreeing to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the team. The veteran minimum deal gives Denver an experienced offensive option after the team recently moved Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
DeRozan, 37, enters his 18th NBA season and will play for his fifth team. After spending the last two seasons with the Sacramento Kings, he now joins a Denver roster led by Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The move is one of the latest pieces of NBA News during an offseason that has already featured significant roster changes across the league.
Key Takeaways
The Denver Nuggets have signed six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan to a one-year, veteran minimum contract, adding experienced scoring depth to their roster as they pursue another championship.
- DeMar DeRozan brings proven scoring ability and durability to the Denver Nuggets, averaging 18.4 points last season and consistently playing over 70 games annually.
- The veteran forward's role with the Nuggets is expected to shift from primary offensive initiator to a valuable supporting scorer alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
- This low-risk, one-year deal for the veteran minimum allows the Nuggets to add significant offensive experience without a long-term financial commitment, while offering DeRozan another chance to contend for a championship.
DeRozan Brings Proven Scoring to Denver
DeRozan averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds across 77 games for Sacramento last season while shooting 49.7% from the field. Although it was his first season in 12 years averaging fewer than 20 points, his production still made him a valuable offensive player.
His ability to create shots without needing a play designed specifically for him could become particularly useful for Denver. DeRozan has spent much of his career attacking from the mid-range and working in isolation, giving the Nuggets another option when defenses focus heavily on Jokic or Murray.
The veteran also brings remarkable durability. DeRozan has appeared in at least 70 games in each of the past five seasons, giving Denver a player who has consistently been available throughout long regular-season schedules. He enters the season ranked 16th on the NBA's all-time scoring list with 26,711 points.
A new role alongside Jokic and Murray
DeRozan's role in Denver could look different from the responsibilities he carried with previous teams. Instead of being asked to lead the offense every night, he can provide scoring in shorter stretches, work with the second unit or take on additional responsibility when one of Denver's stars is off the floor.
Playing alongside Jokic could also create opportunities for DeRozan to operate without constantly having to initiate the offense. Jokic's passing ability can draw defenders toward the paint and create open spaces elsewhere, while Murray provides another perimeter scoring threat.
That combination gives DeRozan a chance to focus on what he has done best throughout his career: creating his own shot and making difficult baskets. For NBA Players such as DeRozan who have spent years carrying major offensive responsibilities, moving into a contender's supporting role can also help preserve their impact deeper into the season.
Denver replaces scoring and experience
DeRozan joins Denver shortly after the Nuggets sent Peyton Watson to Cleveland in a multi-team sign-and-trade. Watson averaged 14.6 points last season before agreeing to a four-year, $88 million deal with the Cavaliers.
Instead of directly replacing Watson's athleticism, Denver added a proven veteran scorer in DeRozan. His experience gives the Nuggets another reliable offensive option. The move follows one of the offseason's notable NBA trades, with Denver also receiving a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2032 second-round pick.
Another chance at a championship
For Denver, the DeRozan signing is a low-risk move that adds a six-time All-Star on a one-year, $3.9 million deal. It gives the Nuggets another proven scorer without a long-term commitment.
For DeRozan, joining Denver provides another chance to chase his first NBA championship. He will now play alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray after being waived by Sacramento. Denver's early playoff exit last season highlighted the need for more support around Jokic. DeRozan brings scoring experience and another option for difficult offensive situations.
The main question is how his mid-range-heavy style will fit Denver's offense. However, his ability to create his own shot could give the Nuggets a different offensive option when needed.
Following the Watson trade, Denver has added an experienced veteran to its rotation. DeRozan's arrival adds another layer to the team's championship push and becomes another notable piece of NBA News.