The Nuggets have made one of the most interesting moves in the offseason, as they’ve signed six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan on a one-year veteran contract. DeRozan was waived by the Sacramento Kings, and after that, several teams expressed interest in signing him.
The transfer gives the Nuggets an experienced scorer who has built a career on thriving in the mid-range. He’s also able to create offense in late-game situations and provide reliable production night after night. The biggest question now is whether DeRozan is the piece needed to complement Jokic and return Denver to the very top.
Denver Lands Its Biggest Late-Offseason Surprise
Denver’s roster seemed to be pretty much settled. The core of the team remained the same: Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon, but many felt the Nuggets needed another scorer. Their main goal would have been to ease the burden on the core during difficult games.
DeRozan’s deal was reported to be worth approximately $3.9 million for a one-year contract. Webopedia notes that crypto sportsbooks allow players to wager using digital assets, with odds changing as a team’s prospects shift. Denver is no longer a clear favorite as it once was, and this deal could change that.
Why DeRozan Chose Denver Over Other Offers
DeRozan’s path to Denver began with Sacramento’s decision to waive the 37-year-old after resolving the guaranteed portion of his contract. His time with the Kings was short, but it allowed several teams to sign a veteran before training camp.
There have been rumors about several teams trying to sign him. This included: Miami, New Orleans, and Washington. However, only the Nuggets offered a chance to compete for a championship and to do so while playing alongside one of the best players in the history of the league.
It’s a part of a growing trend for veteran players. They’ve stopped prioritizing one final lucrative payday and instead choose to take on meaningful roles on teams capable of winning. Denver offers just that for DeRozan. He’ll have a defined place in the rotation, a proven team culture, and the opportunity to chase the first NBA championship of his remarkable career.
How DeRozan Fits Next to Nikola Jokić
DeRozan is not known for high-volume three-point shooting. Instead, his focus is on mid-range scoring, while also being able to create quality shots when defenses take away easier options. This makes him a surprisingly good fit for Nikola Jokić.
Denver’s offense thrives on movement, cutting, and the Serbian superstar’s extraordinary vision. Jokić is able to consistently create open space for teammates. At the same time, DeRozan can attack defenders from 15 to 20 feet. Combined, it gives the Nuggets another reliable half-court weapon when possessions slow down.
The new arrival should also reduce pressure on Jamal Murray. DeRozan offers another player capable of generating offense without requiring elaborate play designs. In the previous playoffs, there was too much focus on Murray when Jokić was forced to give up the ball. It was obvious that Murray wasn’t able to take it and that the quality of his performance dropped.
DeRozan appeared in more than 70 games in each of the past five seasons. Such durability and consistency are great assets for any team. While spacing remains the biggest concern, Denver’s intelligent offensive system may minimize that weakness. They’ll surround him with good shooters and take advantage of Jokić’s playmaking.
What This Means for Denver’s Championship Chances
Western Conference is very competitive, but now that Denver’s roster is somewhat more complete, the team’s chances are improving. Jokić continues to be the franchise’s unquestioned centerpiece, while Murray and Gordon provide continuity from the team that lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy. The head coach now has greater flexibility.
Experience is the greatest advantage DeRozan will bring to the roster. He’s played d more than 1,200 NBA games and has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to remain calm in high-pressure moments. It’s also important to note that he was criticized for some of the playoff disappointments in the past.
DeRozan will focus on scoring efficiently, facilitating secondary offense, and providing veteran leadership. The conference is filled with talented players, and small improvements can make the team stand out.
Final Verdict: A Low-Risk Gamble With Massive Upside
The decision to sign DeRozan is a low-risk venture on the part of the Nuggets, but one that could have major upsides. The Nuggets already possess one of basketball’s greatest players in Nikola Jokić. However, it needs another good scorer to come back to the top, and DeRozan may be the one to do it.
There are no financial downsides to the deal as it’s a veteran-minimum contract for a six-time All-Star representing exceptional value. Whether the decision will pay off will be known only in the playoffs.