What happened?
The Denver Nuggets are actively pursuing a move for six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan following the sign-and-trade of Peyton Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. The Nuggets acquired Julian Reese on a two-way contract in exchange for Watson's deal but subsequently waived the former Washington Wizards big man. To fill the resulting wing spot left by Watson's departure, Denver is now pivoting toward DeRozan, according to NBA on Prime and NBA TV insider Chris Haynes. "The Denver Nuggets are pivoting and have their eyes directed on six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan who remains a free agent in demand for contenders," Haynes wrote on X. This pursuit comes after the Nuggets also lost Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown Jr. in free agency, leaving the team seeking immediate bench scoring and perimeter depth.
Why it matters for Denver Nuggets
Denver's interest in DeRozan addresses a critical need for scoring and veteran presence after a busy offseason of roster turnover. At 37 years old, DeRozan averaged 18.4 points and 4.1 assists last season while shooting 49.7% from the field, offering reliable mid-range scoring that could immediately bolster the Nuggets' second unit. The team's recent form shows they lost the last two games and hold a 2W-0D-3L record in their last five outings, including a 110-98 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves on May 1, 2026. Adding DeRozan's offensive skillset could help stabilize a rotation that has seen significant changes, providing a trusted option in close games and playoff scenarios.
What comes next?
Negotiations will likely center on DeRozan's contract demands, as reported by Miami Heat insider Barry Jackson, who noted the forward wants exception money that could pay slightly more than the veteran minimum. The Nuggets, however, only have the veteran minimum to offer, though NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Denver believes it can make an appealing pitch to land the former Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs forward. If the financial terms are similar across suitors, DeRozan will likely weigh the prospect of contending for a title, where Denver appears more appealing than teams in rebuild modes like Sacramento. The situation remains fluid as the Nuggets look to maximize their championship window with Nikola Jokic while addressing the wing depth lost through the Watson trade and free agency departures.
Can Denver Land the All-Star Swingman?
The Sacramento Kings collaborated with DeMar DeRozan to waive him in July, as the Kings head into a rebuild while the 37-year-old forward sought a contending team. Several other franchises have shown interest, including the Chicago Bulls, but DeRozan remains unsigned. The Nuggets' path to signing him depends on convincing the veteran to accept a role that may not guarantee starting minutes, though Denver's title contention could prove the deciding factor. If no team offers a starting role, DeRozan might settle for the best offer, with Denver's championship prospects potentially tipping the scales in their favor during this free agency period.
