NBA contract update: Denver Nuggets secure Former King star for one-year $3.9 million deal to pair with Nikola Jokic
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Aug 22, 2026, 07.01 AM IST
DeMar DeRozan wanted more than the veteran minimum. 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. The move came after Sacramento waived DeRozan in July and Denver lost Peyton Watson in a sign-and-trade with Cleveland.
The bigger story may be what happened before DeRozan committed. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon were in communication with the veteran forward. 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.
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.
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.
DeRozan had reportedly hoped to receive a larger share of a mid-level exception, but Denver's financial restrictions limited its options. The Nuggets instead used the veteran minimum to add a player who shot 49.7% from the field last season and remains one of the league's most experienced half-court scorers.
The answer appears to be yes, at least behind the scenes. Haynes reported that Jokic, Murray and Gordon were communicating with DeRozan before he committed to Denver. DeRozan was reportedly excited about joining the Nuggets and pursuing his first NBA championship.
The connection gives the signing another interesting angle. DeRozan is entering his 18th NBA season and has never won a championship. Now he joins Jokic and Murray on a team built around another title push.
Denver's immediate challenge is turning DeRozan's scoring into meaningful production around its existing core. The contract carries little long-term risk, but the fit will determine whether the veteran minimum becomes one of the Nuggets' smarter offseason additions.
The bigger story may be what happened before DeRozan committed. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon were in communication with the veteran forward. 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.
| 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 |
Why did DeMar DeRozan sign with the Denver Nuggets?
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.
DeMar DeRozan has been in conversations with Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray and is anxious for the opportunity to play for a contending team, sources say. Denver adds another veteran clutch bucket-getter. https://t.co/ONqDT9xqxl
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 21, 2026
How does DeMar DeRozan's contract look?
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.
DeRozan had reportedly hoped to receive a larger share of a mid-level exception, but Denver's financial restrictions limited its options. The Nuggets instead used the veteran minimum to add a player who shot 49.7% from the field last season and remains one of the league's most experienced half-court scorers.
Did Nikola Jokic play a role in DeRozan joining Denver?
The answer appears to be yes, at least behind the scenes. Haynes reported that Jokic, Murray and Gordon were communicating with DeRozan before he committed to Denver. DeRozan was reportedly excited about joining the Nuggets and pursuing his first NBA championship.
The connection gives the signing another interesting angle. DeRozan is entering his 18th NBA season and has never won a championship. Now he joins Jokic and Murray on a team built around another title push.
Denver's immediate challenge is turning DeRozan's scoring into meaningful production around its existing core. The contract carries little long-term risk, but the fit will determine whether the veteran minimum becomes one of the Nuggets' smarter offseason additions.