Best Christmas Day NBA matchup
See the biggest NBA Christmas Day matchups, including LeBron’s return to Los Angeles and key showdowns across the league.
DeMar DeRozan appears to be the Denver Nuggets’ solution to trading Peyton Watson earlier this week.
The 17-year veteran plans to sign with the Nuggets after receiving a contract buyout from the Sacramento Kings this offseason, NBA reporter Chris Haynes and ESPN reported on Friday, August 21. DeRozan’s intentions to join Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon in Denver became public in the aftermath of the Nuggets’ decision to deal Watson to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a multi-team trade on Thursday.
The Nuggets also received a 2031 first-round pick, a second-round pick and Washington Wizards forward Julian Reese as part of a trade that came to fruition after Denver and Watson couldn’t come to terms on a new contract. Watson was a restricted free agent this offseason coming off a career year on the wing for the Nuggets. He agreed to a new 4-year, $88-million contract with Cleveland in conjunction with the trade.
DeMar DeRozan contract details
DeRozan will sign a 1-year, $3.9-million contract with the Nuggets, according to ESPN. The Kings waived DeRozan earlier this offseason. He had one year and $25 million remaining on that deal, but only $10 million was guaranteed at the time Sacramento cut ties with him.
DeMar DeRozan stats
DeRozan averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds on 49.7% shooting over 77 games with the Sacramento Kings during the 2025-26 season.
Denver Nuggets roster after DeRozan signing
- G Jamal Murray
- G DeMar DeRozan
- G Spencer Jones
- G Christian Braun
- G Tyus Jones
- G Julian Strawther
- G Bryce Hopkins
- G Curtis Jones**
- G KJ Simpson**
- F Aaron Gordon
- F Cameron Johnson
- F Marvin Bagley
- F Alpha Diallo
- F Trevon Brazile*
- F DaRon Holmes II
- F Julian Reese
- F David Roddy**
- F/C Zeke Nnaji
- C Nikola Jokic
*2026 NBA Draft pick**two-way player