Nuggets Steal 6x All-Star DeRozan on 1-Year Deal
DeMar DeRozan Joins the Denver Nuggets: A Simple Guide to the Big Move
What Just Happened?
Imagine your favorite video game character switching teams to join the current champions—that’s basically what happened in the NBA! DeMar DeRozan, a superstar who has been picked for the All-Star Game six times, has agreed to play for the Denver Nuggets next season.
Here’s the deal in simple terms:
- Contract: One year, $3.9 million (that’s a "bargain" price for a player this good)
- Age: 37 years old (that’s like a wise old wizard in basketball years)
- Experience: 17th season in the NBA
Important Point: This is considered a "team-friendly deal" because DeRozan took less money to join a winning team instead of chasing the biggest paycheck.
Why Did He Choose Denver?
DeRozan had several teams wanting him—like the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, and New Orleans Pelicans. But Denver won him over for three big reasons:
1. The "Big Three" Fit Perfectly
Denver already has two superstars:
- Nikola Jokić (The "Joker") — A magical passing center who won 3 MVP awards
- Jamal Murray — A clutch guard who hits big shots in the playoffs
DeRozan adds a third playmaker who can create shots for himself and others. Think of it like adding a third chef to an already amazing kitchen!
2. Denver Really Wanted Him
The Nuggets’ coaches and front office (the bosses) spent weeks recruiting DeRozan. They showed him exactly how he’d fit in their system—like a puzzle piece they’d been missing.
3. A Real Shot at a Championship
The Nuggets won the NBA title in 2023. DeRozan has never won a championship. At 37, this might be his best chance ever to get a ring.
What Did Denver Give Up?
To make room for DeRozan, the Nuggets traded away Peyton Watson—a young, athletic defender—to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a four-team trade.
Important Point: Trading a promising young player for a 37-year-old veteran is a "win-now" move. Denver is saying: We want to win a championship THIS YEAR.
The Miami Heat Story
DeRozan and the Heat mutually liked each other. He even talked all summer with their star Bam Adebayo. But Miami decided to go after Klay Thompson (a legendary shooter from the Warriors) instead. Once Thompson clears waivers after a buyout with Dallas, he’s expected to sign with Miami.
Translation: Miami had a "Plan A" (Thompson) and DeRozan was "Plan B." Denver made him their Plan A.
Who Is DeMar DeRozan? (ELI5 Version)
Imagine a player who:
- Scores like a pro: Averaged 18.4 points per game last season on almost 50% shooting (that’s incredibly efficient!)
- Shows up every night: Played all but 5 games last year. Has played 70+ games in 5 straight seasons. He’s the definition of "reliable."
- Was even better before: Averaged 20+ points for 12 STRAIGHT SEASONS before last year.
- Is a mid-range maestro: While everyone shoots 3-pointers now, DeRozan is a master of the "mid-range" shot (the area between the paint and the 3-point line). It’s his superpower.
DeRozan’s NBA Journey (The Road Map)
| Team | Years | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto Raptors | 9 seasons | Became a star, made playoffs 5 straight years |
| San Antonio Spurs | 3 seasons | Solid stats, but team struggled |
| Chicago Bulls | 3 seasons | Made playoffs once |
| Sacramento Kings | 1 season (2024) | Team waived him to save money |
| Denver Nuggets | Starting now! | Championship contender |
Note: The Kings waived (released) DeRozan earlier this offseason. Only $10 million of his $25.7 million contract was guaranteed for next year. So he became a free agent and could sign anywhere.
What This Means for the Nuggets
Pros (The Good Stuff)
- Elite scoring off the bench (or as a starter if needed)
- Veteran leadership for a young team
- Clutch gene — DeRozan loves big moments
- Perfect fit with Jokić — Both are elite mid-range/playmaking bigs
Cons (The Risks)
- Age: 37 is old for the NBA
- Defense: Never been a great defender
- No 3-point shooting: In a league obsessed with 3s, DeRozan barely shoots them
- Only one year: He could leave next summer
Summary: The Big Picture
DeMar DeRozan took a pay cut to join the Denver Nuggets for one year at $3.9 million. He chose Denver over Miami and others because:
- They have Jokić and Murray
- They really recruited him hard
- It’s his best shot at a championship
Denver traded away a young defender (Peyton Watson) to make this happen, signaling they’re all-in on winning NOW. DeRozan brings incredible scoring, durability, and veteran savvy—but at 37, with defensive limitations and no 3-point game, it’s a calculated gamble.
Bottom line: If DeRozan has one more great season left, the Nuggets just stole a championship piece for pocket change. If Father Time finally catches him, they only lose one year and minimal money. High reward, low risk.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Why did DeRozan take so little money? ($3.9M is tiny for a star!)
At 37, DeRozan cares more about winning a ring than max dollars. He’s already made $200M+ in his career. This is about legacy, not rent money.
Will DeRozan start or come off the bench?
Likely start alongside Murray in the backcourt, with Christian Braun or Julian Strawther moving to the bench. But coach Michael Malone loves flexibility—expect DeRozan to close games regardless.
How does DeRozan fit with Jokić?
Beautifully. Jokić dominates the paint and passes out of double-teams. DeRozan thrives in the mid-range—exactly where defenses can’t help off Jokić. They’re a pick-and-roll dream duo.
What about DeRozan’s lack of 3-point shooting?
He shot just 33% on 1.5 attempts per game last year. Denver will space the floor with Murray, Porter Jr., and Braun around them. DeRozan’s job: punish defenses that sag off him.
Can the Nuggets actually win the title with this move?
Yes. They were a flawed roster away from the Finals last year. Adding a 18 PPG scorer who creates his own shot—and takes pressure off Jokić/Murray—fixes their biggest weakness: second-unit offense. Health permitting, they’re top-3 favorites in the West.
Information sourced from ESPN reporting by Adrian Wojnarowski and The Associated Press.