DeMar DeRozan has found his next home, and it’s a bargain. After being waived by the Sacramento Kings in a cost-cutting move, the six-time All-Star signed a one-year, $3.88 million deal with the Denver Nuggets.
From Cap Casualty to Contender’s Bench
DeRozan’s release by Sacramento came down to money, not performance — his contract was only partially guaranteed, and the Kings couldn’t find a workable trade before the deadline. That opened the door for a bidding war featuring the Wizards, Heat, Cavaliers and ultimately the Nuggets, who scooped him up for pennies on the dollar relative to his production.
Why Denver Makes Sense
- Adds a reliable mid-range scorer to complement Denver’s star-driven offense
- Gives the Nuggets a proven closer for late-game situations off the bench
- Costs almost nothing against the cap, preserving flexibility elsewhere
It’s a similar value play to what Miami pulled off in the Klay Thompson signing — proven, accomplished veterans accepting a pay cut for a real shot at a title. That trend has defined much of the 2026 offseason.
The Skeptic’s View
DeRozan turns 37 in August, and his game has always relied more on footwork and craft than athleticism — traits that can erode quickly. Whether he still has enough left to be a difference-maker in a playoff rotation is the real question Denver is paying to find out.
For the complete rundown of every notable veteran who changed teams this summer, see our 2026 offseason tracker.
Bottom Line
At this price, Denver had nothing to lose. If DeRozan still has scoring left in the tank, this could be one of the summer’s best value signings.