The Denver Nuggets are aiming to build on a perfect 5-0 run by adding veteran scorer DeMar DeRozan for the 2026-27 NBA season. This move, reported by ESPN insider Shams Charania, follows a strong finish to the 2025-26 campaign, including a 128-118 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on April 13, 2026. The Nuggets' recent form shows five straight wins, and integrating the six-time All-Star is their next challenge.
How does DeMar DeRozan fit with the Nuggets?
DeRozan joins Denver after a year with the Sacramento Kings, marking his fifth NBA stop. His mid-range mastery and playmaking add a new dimension to a team built around Nikola Jokic's passing. The veteran wing doesn't rely on the three-point shot, which could alter spacing. But his ability to create his own shot in the fourth quarter is a skill the Nuggets have often sought beyond Jokic and Jamal Murray.
Head coach Michael Malone will need to balance offensive sets. DeRozan is a proven isolation scorer who draws fouls at a high rate. Pairing him with Jokic in pick-and-roll actions could be devastating. Defensively, he'll need to hold his own on the perimeter in a loaded Western Conference. You can track the team's progress and upcoming matchups on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
What could the 2026 Denver Nuggets starting lineup look like?
Projecting two years out involves guesswork, but the core pieces are in place. The starting point guard should remain Jamal Murray, provided he stays healthy. His backcourt partnership with DeRozan would be offensively potent but may require adjustments on defense. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could slide to a wing role, offering the three-and-D balance this group would need.
The frontcourt is less uncertain. Nikola Jokic will be the starting center and offensive hub. The power forward spot is intriguing. Does Michael Porter Jr. retain his role, or could a more defensive-minded player start? Porter's shooting is elite, but pairing him with DeRozan might leave the Nuggets vulnerable on the defensive glass.
A potential 2026 opening night lineup: Jamal Murray, DeMar DeRozan, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic. This unit scores from every level but would have clear defensive questions to answer.
What does this mean for the Western Conference?
The Nuggets are clearly not standing still. Their current five-game winning run shows the existing roster's capability. Adding a player of DeRozan's caliber is a direct response to the arms race in the West. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves have gotten younger and more athletic.
Denver is betting on veteran savvy and shot creation. DeRozan gives them another late-game option when plays break down. This could be the difference in a tight playoff series where every possession matters. The move signals Denver's front office believes their championship window with Jokic remains wide open. They are willing to adapt the roster to keep pace.
Final roster decisions will depend on health and further moves. But the Nuggets, fresh off a 128-118 win against the Spurs, have made a significant addition. Integrating a new star is never simple, but Denver's culture and system give them a strong chance to make it work.
