The Denver Nuggets have agreed to a two-way contract with rookie forward Bryce Hopkins, according to Michael Scotto. Hopkins, the No. 49 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, also produced 18.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in four Summer League appearances for Denver.
The 23-year-old averaged 25.9 minutes while shooting 52.9% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range. He also recorded 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, giving the Nuggets an early sample of his ability to contribute as a scorer and rebounder on both ends.
Hopkins was selected after a five-year college career at Kentucky, Providence and St. John’s, during which he earned two All-Big East selections. His final season came at St. John’s in 2025-26, when he averaged 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds in 28.8 minutes across 37 games while shooting 46.9% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range.
His most productive full college season came at Providence in 2022-23, when he averaged 15.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 33 games. He followed that with 15.5 points and 8.6 rebounds in 14 appearances in 2023-24, before being limited to three games in 2024-25.
Across 115 college games, Hopkins averaged 11.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 45.1% from the field. His 2025-26 season at St. John’s also marked a recovery in his three-point shooting, as he converted 36.3% after shooting 18.9% in 2023-24.
Denver acquired the No. 49 pick after trading down from No. 26 to No. 35 on draft night and used its other selection on Arkansas forward Trevon Brazile. Hopkins’ Summer League production came before the Nuggets finalized his two-way contract.
The deal gives Denver another developmental frontcourt option after an offseason that included the departure of Peyton Watson and the additions of DeMar DeRozan, Marvin Bagley III and Brazile. Hopkins will be eligible to split time between the Nuggets and their G League affiliate while remaining available to the NBA roster under the terms of his two-way contract.
Denver finished the 2025-26 regular season 54-28, third in the Western Conference, before losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games in the first round.
