The Denver Nuggets believe they can make an appealing pitch to DeMar DeRozan as they pursue the six-time All-Star in free agency, according to Marc Stein. Denver’s interest comes after a series of offseason departures that have created openings on a roster built around Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
Stein reported Wednesday that Washington had also been among the teams pursuing DeRozan. The Wizards instead joined the multi-team Peyton Watson trade construction to acquire Tre Mann after previously exploring a reunion with Russell Westbrook before his retirement announcement.
DeRozan, 37, averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 77 games for Sacramento in 2025-26. He shot 49.7% from the field and 86.8% from the free-throw line while starting every game he played for the Kings.
Sacramento waived DeRozan on July 6 as part of a broader shift toward younger players and greater financial flexibility. The move left the veteran swingman on the free-agent market and opened the door for Denver to pursue another proven scorer.
The Nuggets finished 54-28 last season, good for third place in the Western Conference, before Minnesota eliminated them 4-2 in the first round. Jokic averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists in 65 games, while Murray posted 25.4 points and 7.1 assists per game.
Denver’s roster has changed significantly since that playoff exit. Watson, who averaged 14.6 points and shot 41.1% from three-point range in 54 games last season, was moved in a sign-and-trade that brought Denver future draft capital, while Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown also departed in free agency.
Those changes have left the Nuggets searching for ways to maintain depth around Jokic and Murray while managing their salary structure. Denver has retained Tyus Jones and added Marvin Bagley III and has pursued younger, cost-controlled players, but DeRozan would offer a different type of addition: an established half-court scorer with extensive experience as a primary option.
