Denver Nuggets. Image via: Soobum Im/ Getty Images
Instead, the six-time All-Star chose a one-year, $3.9 million deal with the Denver Nuggets, giving Nikola Jokic another established scorer while accepting a contract worth far less than the mid-level exception he had reportedly hoped to secure. Denver had just lost Watson, a 23-year-old wing who averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists last season, in a four-team deal that sent him to Cleveland. DeRozan does not replace Watson’s defensive profile, but he gives Denver a proven offensive option with 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds per game across 77 appearances for Sacramento in 2025-26. The deal is a one-year veteran-minimum contract worth $3.9 million. That figure reflects DeRozan’s 17 years of NBA experience and gives Denver flexibility without a long-term commitment. His reported cap hit is approximately $2.4 million.
The move came after Sacramento waived DeRozan in July and Denver lost Peyton Watson in a sign-and-trade with Cleveland. DeRozan is entering his 18th NBA season and has never won a championship.
Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon were in communication with the veteran forward, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. DeMar DeRozan wanted more than the veteran minimum. The bigger story may be what happened before DeRozan committed. DeRozan was reportedly eager for the chance to join a contender, and Denver’s core had a direct role in selling him on the opportunity. The connection gives the signing another interesting angle. Now he joins Jokic and Murray on a team built around another title push.
Category Details Player DeMar DeRozan Current Team Denver Nuggets Contract Status One year, $3.9 million Salary Cap Hit About $2.4 million Latest Insider Update Jokic, Murray and Gordon reportedly communicated with DeRozan DeRozan’s move became official as a reported agreement on August 21. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the one-year, $3.9 million deal, while the Associated Press described it as the veteran minimum.