Nuggets sign DeMar DeRozan to one-year deal
DeMar DeRozan has agreed to sign with the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, $3.9 million deal, sources told ESPN on Friday.
DeRozan spoke with the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans during free agency before choosing Denver for a significant role and a chance to compete in the West. The Nuggets' front office and coaches made a strong recruitment effort in recent weeks to secure his commitment, showing him how he would complement Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray as an additional playmaker.
There was mutual interest between DeRozan and the Heat, and Bam Adebayo and DeRozan communicated throughout the summer, sources said. But the Heat ultimately made Klay Thompson their first priority and are expected to sign Thompson once he clears waivers after a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks, sources told ESPN.
DeRozan became a free agent after the Kings waived him earlier this offseason as the franchise needed to trim salary. He had only $10 million of his $25.7 million deal guaranteed for 2026-27.
DeRozan remained one of the most reliable scorers in the league in his 17th NBA season, averaging 18.4 points on nearly 50% shooting, and had averaged at least 20 points in 12 straight seasons before this past year. He appeared in all but five games last season and has appeared in at least 70 games in each of the past five seasons.