After losing in the first round of the NBA playoffs this year, the Denver Nuggets knew they needed a spark to put them back in the championship picture. What they didn’t expect was to lose Peyton Watson, one of their most essential starters, in free agency, giving them a major vulnerability on the wing.
With the Nuggets floundering, critics were turning up the pressure for them to make a move, and they finally responded. According to the latest intel from ESPN, they have agreed to a one-year, $3.9 million deal with DeMar DeRozan, who is expected to start alongside Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon.
“Six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan has agreed to sign with the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, $3.9 million deal,” reported ESPN’s Shams Charania on X.
Most of the top free agents have been off the board for weeks now, but DeRozan was arguably the best one remaining. After his buyout from the Kings, reports initially had him tied to the Heat, but they decided to go in another direction as Klay Thompson has agreed to a deal. DeMar was even linked to the Wizards as a potential finishing touch to their revamped roster. Ultimately, however, it was the Nuggets who won the day, and it puts them in a much better position going forward.
As it stands, the Thunder and Spurs are largely seen as the teams to beat in the West, but the Nuggets aren’t too far behind. With three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and All-Star guard Jamal Murray, they already have a star-studded duo to carry them on offense. Between Cam Johnson and Aaron Gordon, they also have some skills on defense as well, which will be essential to keeping up with their toughest opponents.
Even so, the loss of Peyton Watson hurt them in more ways than one. As a capable shooter, the Nuggets will miss his floor spacing and the added flexibility he provided. While Nikola Jokic wasn’t concerned with his departure, Denver saw fit to find a replacement right away, and they could do a lot worse than DeRozan.
At 37, DeRozan isn’t the same player he used to be, but he can still make a huge difference on the floor. The 17-year veteran brings years of experience, including in the playoffs. As a proven scorer and fearless competitor, he fits the Nuggets’ win-now timeline and is someone they could feel comfortable playing in late-game scenarios. Last season, in 78 games, DeRozan averaged 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game on 49.7% shooting from the field.
It could take time to incorporate DeRozan into the lineup, but he has the benefit of playing alongside Nikola Jokic. He also has the advantage of being motivated to win at least one championship before he retires. The closest he ever got was in 2016, when he lost to the Cavaliers in six games. This team is probably the best he’s ever played for, but that doesn’t mean the path ahead is easy. Fortunately, DeRozan has already proven that he’s willing to put in the work.
