The Denver Nuggets are eyeing 23-year-old guard Ryan Nembhard as a potential two-way contract target, according to NBA insider Marc Stein. This comes as the Charlotte Hornets plan to waive Nembhard following a recent trade, making him an unrestricted free agent. The Nuggets' interest follows a strong recent run of form, including a decisive 116-93 victory over the Golden State Warriors on March 30, 2026.
Nembhard's journey this offseason has been turbulent. He was traded from the Atlanta Hawks to the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday as part of a deal for veteran Buddy Hield. League reports confirm the Hornets intend to waive him to manage their training camp roster. If Denver signs him, Nembhard would be on his fourth team in 2026 alone.
Denver's interest is driven by Nembhard's rapid development as a playmaker during his rookie year. After going undrafted out of Gonzaga in 2025, he signed a two-way deal with Dallas. He earned a standard NBA contract in February 2026. In 60 games for the Mavericks, he averaged 6.6 points and 5.3 assists in 19.5 minutes per game.
The Nuggets are actively looking to build a stronger supporting cast around Nikola Jokic. Securing reliable backcourt facilitation would help relieve pressure on Jamal Murray and Jokic over the long regular season. Nembhard's skill set directly addresses this need. His potential signing is seen as a move to bolster the team's guard rotation for the upcoming campaign.
Nembhard made a significant impression on the Nuggets themselves last season. In a December 2025 matchup, the 5'11" guard exploded for 28 points against Denver. He demonstrated high-level playmaking and scoring efficiency in that game.
"It seemed like he didn't miss," Nikola Jokic said after that performance. "He was really good. He was getting people involved. He was one of their best players tonight." That standout game is likely a key reason for Denver's current pursuit. It provided a firsthand look at his capabilities under pressure.
The Nuggets are entering this potential move from a position of momentum. Their recent form shows three wins and two losses in their last five outings, specifically a WWWLL pattern. They are currently on a three-game winning streak.
Key results include the 116-93 win over Golden State and a narrow 125-123 victory against the Phoenix Suns on March 25. They also posted a dominant 129-93 win over the Houston Rockets on March 12. However, losses like a 103-142 defeat to the New York Knicks on March 7 highlight the inconsistency the team aims to address. Fans can track the team's progress on our [standings](/standings) page.
The next step is for the Charlotte Hornets to finalize Nembhard's waiver. Once that process is complete, he will be free to sign with any team. Marc Stein reports Nembhard is expected to have multiple suitors for a potential two-way contract, with Denver being a primary candidate.
For the Nuggets, adding a young, cost-controlled guard like Nembhard fits their roster-building strategy. He would provide depth and a different look in the backcourt. His journey from undrafted rookie to a player sought by a championship contender like Denver is a notable development. The team's activity in the player market will be one to watch as training camps approach.
