By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With the Denver Nuggets recently adding six-time NBA All-Star DeMar DeRozan to their roster, the 37-year-old forward went from wondering about his future to representing a strong push for a championship alongside Serbian superstar Nikola Jokic.
Speaking to Mirin Fader of The Athletic, DeRozan revealed that the Joker, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon personally phoned to recruit him. Hearing directly from Denver’s core stars made his choice easy. Jokic, especially, deeply influenced his final decision to make the move.
The deal was completed via a one-year, $3.9 million veteran minimum contract. This financial choice meant turning down more lucrative opportunities elsewhere because he prioritized a championship ring.
Meanwhile, the Sombor native has kept busy during the offseason. He suited up for the senior national team of Serbia in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers, pushing through illness to secure four wins in as many outings.
The long-term plan for Denver revolves entirely around Jokic, who is playing under a $59 million base salary through the 2026–27 season. While he plans to stay in Denver ‘forever’, he delayed a new extension to remain on track for a record-shattering supermax deal. Last season, he averaged a dominant 27.5 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.6 assists per game.
Focusing on the next season, everything tips off with training camp in late September. Following five exhibition games, the team coached by David Adelman travels to meet the Oklahoma City Thunder in Paycom Center to begin the 82-game journey on October 21.
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