By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Denver Nuggets are entering a pivotal transitional phase as they completely reshape the roster surrounding Nikola Jokic.
After finalizing a massive five-team trade on Wednesday, they lost restricted free agent Peyton Watson. While this intricate deal brought back future draft picks, it left the squad without an immediate, plug-and-play replacement.
However, senior NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the front office has pivoted toward 37-year-old DeMar DeRozan, who remains a highly coveted free agent for championship contenders looking to bolster their depth for the 2026–27 Regular Season. The six-time All-Star and veteran of 1,327 games last played with the Sacramento Kings, tallying 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steal per game over 77 appearances during the 2025–26 Regular Season.
The Denver Nuggets are pivoting and have their eyes directed on six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan who remains a free agent in demand for contenders, league sources tell me.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 20, 2026
For now, this roster turnover places an even heavier burden on the 31-year-old Jokic. The Serbian superstar is currently entering the fourth year of his five-year contract, which includes a player option worth over $62.8 million for the subsequent season. Financial strategy remains a major talking point, as he bypassed a four-year maximum extension over the summer. By waiting until the next offseason, he can opt out of his final year to secure a five-year, $359.5 million supermax contract. This projected deal would mark the largest contract in league history.
Although outside suitors are closely monitoring his extension status, including a rejected buyout proposal from EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos Aktor, the Sombor native remains fully committed to Denver.
Before turning his full attention to his 12th year with the Nuggets, the former NBA champion is set to represent Serbia in the upcoming FIBA window.
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