DeMar DeRozan Picks Nuggets After Interest From Multiple Teams

DeMar DeRozan is heading to Denver after agreeing to a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Nuggets, according to ESPN.

DeRozan had several options after becoming a free agent, holding conversations with the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans before ultimately choosing Denver. The Nuggets made a strong push in recent weeks, selling the 37-year-old on a significant role alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Denver views DeRozan as another playmaker who can create offense around its established stars, while also adding an experienced presence following Peyton Watson’s departure to Cleveland in a four-team trade.

Miami was firmly in the mix for DeRozan as well. There was mutual interest between the two sides, with DeRozan and Heat star Bam Adebayo communicating throughout the offseason, according to ESPN.

However, Miami eventually turned its attention elsewhere, making Klay Thompson its priority after the veteran sharpshooter agreed to a buyout with the Dallas Mavericks.

DeRozan became available after the Sacramento Kings waived him earlier this offseason. He was due $25.7 million for the 2026-27 season, but only $10 million of that salary was guaranteed.

Despite entering the later stages of his career, DeRozan remained a productive and reliable scorer last season. He averaged 18.4 points while shooting nearly 50 percent from the field across his 17th NBA campaign. It was also the first time in 13 seasons that he failed to average at least 20 points.

Availability hasn’t been an issue either. DeRozan missed just five games last season and has appeared in at least 70 games in each of the past five campaigns.

Denver will become the sixth stop of his NBA career.

DeRozan spent his first nine seasons with the Toronto Raptors before stints with the San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls and Kings. Now, after spending much of his career as a primary scoring option, he’ll join a Denver team built around three-time MVP Jokic and Murray.

For $3.9 million, the Nuggets are adding a six-time All-Star with 17 seasons of experience as they look to strengthen another run through the Western Conference.