NBA Market: Watch out for the surprising new team of DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan has a new team in the NBA. The six-time All-Star has reached an agreement to sign with the Denver Nuggets for one season and 3.9 million dollars, according to ESPN sources. The veteran shooting guard-small forward will thus embark on a new stage in his career with the aim of contending for the title alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Necessary move in the NBA market.

DeRozan's move to Denver comes after the player held talks during free agency with the Miami Heat, Washington Wizards, and New Orleans Pelicans. Ultimately, the Nuggets' project managed to persuade the player, particularly due to the significant role he will have in the rotation and the opportunity to compete for everything in the Western Conference.

The Denver franchise made a strong recruitment effort in recent weeks. The front office and coaching staff explained to DeRozan how he could fit in alongside Jokic and Murray, especially as a third playmaker capable of taking on offensive responsibilities when their two main stars need rest.

DeRozan will also bring a significant amount of experience to a perimeter that has undergone changes during the summer. The Nuggets recently sent Peyton Watson to Cleveland as part of a four-team trade, so the addition of the veteran will help fill part of that void and add an experienced presence to the second unit.

Miami Heat was also interested

The Miami Heat also showed significant interest in DeRozan. Both parties held talks during the summer, and Bam Adebayo even communicated with the veteran player, as reported by ESPN sources.

However, the Miami franchise ultimately leaned towards Klay Thompson as their main target to reinforce the team. The Heat hope to acquire the six-time NBA champion once Thompson clears waivers after reaching a buyout agreement with the Dallas Mavericks.

Miami's decision definitively opened the door for Denver to move forward with DeRozan, who has ultimately chosen a project with championship aspirations and a prominent offensive role.

Sacramento decided to part ways with DeRozan

DeRozan became a free agent after the Sacramento Kings decided to waive his services this summer. The player had only 10 million dollars guaranteed out of the 25.7 million corresponding to his contract for the 2026-27 season.

At 37 years old, the veteran remains one of the most reliable scorers in the NBA. During his seventeenth season in the league, he averaged 18.4 points per game with a shooting percentage close to 50%.

Although he fell below the 20-point mark per game for the first time in over a decade, his offensive consistency remained notable. Before last season, DeRozan had strung together 12 consecutive seasons averaging at least 20 points.

Additionally, his availability has been one of his great virtues throughout his career. The new Nugget player played in all but five games last season and has participated in at least 70 games for five consecutive seasons.

A career marked by experience

DeRozan began his career as a star with the Toronto Raptors, where he stayed for nine seasons and became one of the great references of the Canadian franchise.

He then spent three seasons with the San Antonio Spurs and three more with the Chicago Bulls before landing in Sacramento in 2024. However, his recent years have been characterized by a diminished presence in the playoffs.

Since leaving Toronto, DeRozan has only enjoyed two seasons with a winning record. With the Chicago Bulls, he managed to qualify for the playoffs once, whereas in Toronto, he had reached the postseason in five of his last five years with the franchise.

Now, he will have a new opportunity in Denver. The Nuggets hope that his ability to score and create plays, combined with his experience in high-stakes games, can become a differentiating factor around Jokic and Murray.

The operation also represents a low-risk bet for Denver: one year of contract and just 3.9 million dollars to add a player who can still offer offensive production, experience, and leadership to a team designed to compete for the title.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mercado NBA: Ojo al sorprendente nuevo equipo de DeMar DeRozan