Denver Nuggets News

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Christian Braun • SG • Nuggets

Christian Braun Brushes off Doubt Ahead of Camp

Denver Nuggets guard/forward Christian Braun pushed back on doubts about Denver's offseason, telling Sean Keeler of The Denver Post that the Nuggets still have "everything we need" as long as Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon are in place. Braun tore ligaments in his left ankle last November and never fully regained his 2024-25 form, finishing last season with 12.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 31.8 minutes across 44 games while shooting 30.1 percent from three. Peyton Watson's sign-and-trade to Cleveland keeps Braun in a major role, but DeMar DeRozan's reported arrival gives Denver another late-game scorer. Braun's fantasy value comes down to health, minutes, and whether his jumper rebounds.

3 days ago

Nikola Jokić • C • Nuggets

Nikola Jokic Plays Through Illness for Serbia

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic played through three days of sickness and multiple IV treatments in Serbia's 76-64 win over Italy in FIBA World Cup qualifying on Monday. Serbian head coach Dusan Alimpijevic said Jokic "rejected giving up and leaving his team alone," which helps explain the three-time MVP's quiet line of eight points, eight rebounds, and one assist. There is no immediate fantasy fallout with Serbia's next qualifying window set for late November, but managers will want this cleared up before training camp. Jokic averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists last season and remains the safest fantasy anchor when healthy.

7 days ago

Nikola Jokić • C • Nuggets

Nikola Jokic Fills Stat Sheet in Blowout Win Over Iceland

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic posted six points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and three steals in 23 minutes of Serbia's 102-73 win over Iceland on Friday in Group J of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers. The three-time MVP had reached 20 points in both of his previous 2027 qualifying appearances, so the quiet scoring night looks more like a blowout side effect than a concern. Serbia improved to 5-2 in Group J and closes the window Monday in Italy. Jokic averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists over 65 games last season, and the modest 23-minute workload is the encouraging piece here for managers tracking his summer mileage ahead of a Denver season that folds DeMar DeRozan into the offense.

Aug 29

Bryce Hopkins • SF • Nuggets

Bryce Hopkins Lands a Two-Way Contract in Denver

The Denver Nuggets and forward Bryce Hopkins have agreed to a two-way deal, agents Mark Bartelstein and Reggie Brown confirmed to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. Denver selected Hopkins with the 49th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and the former St. John's standout strengthened his case in Las Vegas by averaging 18.0 points and 6.5 rebounds across four Summer League games. He was a two-time All-Big East selection and averaged 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals last season after injuries limited the end of his Providence run. Hopkins gives Denver another physical forward to develop, but the two-way tag keeps him off fantasy radars unless injuries push him into real rotation minutes.

Aug 26

DeMar DeRozan • SF • Nuggets

Kings are Stretching Out DeMar DeRozan's Salary

The Sacramento Kings have decided they will stretch out forward DeMar DeRozan's salary over the next three seasons. According to Michael Scotto, the Kings will take his $10 million salary and turn it into $3.33 million over the next three seasons. Doing this puts the Kings under the luxury tax line, and they now have enough space to fill out their final two roster spots. Neither spot can exceed the league minimum, but the Kings now have the funds to do it. The organization has until Saturday to get this done, so expect the Kings to be busy in free agency over the next few days.

Aug 25

Zeke Nnaji • C • Nuggets

Zeke Nnaji Emerges as Nuggets' Likely Salary Dump

Denver Nuggets forward/center Zeke Nnaji is a strong candidate to be traded as the franchise works to dip below the second apron after DeMar DeRozan agreed to join Denver, according to NBA insider Evan Sidery. The Nuggets may need to attach draft capital to move Nnaji, who is owed roughly $7.5 million next season and has a player option for the same amount in 2027-28. The 25-year-old holds little fantasy appeal after averaging 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 12.0 minutes across 52 games last season. DeRozan is the actual fantasy-relevant piece here after averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds with Sacramento. His arrival could squeeze touches for Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson behind Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Aug 22

DeMar DeRozan • SF • Nuggets

DeMar DeRozan Signs One-Year Deal With Denver

Free-agent guard DeMar DeRozan is signing a one-year, $3.9 million contract with the Denver Nuggets, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. DeRozan and the Sacramento Kings parted ways in July, allowing the veteran to join a contending team. Despite being in the second tax apron, the Nuggets' roster is extremely shallow, especially after the recent sign-and-trade of Peyton Watson, so DeRozan projects to get plenty of run with his new team. The 37-year-old enters his 18th NBA season after averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds on 49.7% shooting last year for the Kings.

Aug 21

DeMar DeRozan • SF • Nuggets

DeMar DeRozan Emerges as Denver's Top Free-Agent Target

Free-agent guard/forward DeMar DeRozan has become a target for the Denver Nuggets after they sent Peyton Watson to Cleveland, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes. The six-time All-Star was waived by Sacramento in July after averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 31.2 minutes across 77 starts last season. Denver can offer a title-contending role next to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, but its second-apron situation leaves the veteran minimum as the likely path. That could make money the hurdle if Miami or Washington pushes harder. DeRozan still offers scoring and durability, but a bench role in Denver would likely cap his fantasy value.

Aug 20

Peyton Watson • SF • Nuggets

Peyton Watson Draws Three Sign-and-Trade Suitors

Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson remains unsigned in restricted free agency, with the Cavaliers, Bucks, and Clippers still pursuing sign-and-trade paths, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. Denver's current offer is four years and $70 million with a team option in the final season, but Watson has not accepted it as he looks for a larger deal and clearer role. The 23-year-old broke out last season, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 41.1 percent from three across 54 games. His remaining options include taking the one-year, $6.5 million qualifying offer or holding out. Watson's blocks, threes, and steals keep him on the fantasy radar, but his landing spot will decide the ceiling.

Aug 13

Nikola Jokić • C • Nuggets

Nuggets Hold Nikola Jokic Despite Serious Panathinaikos Offer

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic remains firmly in Denver despite an overseas push from Panathinaikos owner Dimitrios Giannakopoulos, who said he made a serious proposal to bring the three-time MVP to Greece and plans to try again next year, per ESPN's Anthony Slater. Jokic has two years and $121.9 million left on his deal, though the 2027-28 season is a player option that could make next summer interesting. The 31-year-old has already said he wants to stay in Denver, and this does nothing to hurt his fantasy outlook. Jokic averaged 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists last season, keeping him locked in as the top fantasy target.

Aug 11

Peyton Watson • SF • Nuggets

Peyton Watson Draws Serious Cavaliers Interest

The Cleveland Cavaliers are viewed as a serious candidate to land Denver Nuggets restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson in a sign-and-trade, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin via Sam Amico of HoopsWire. Watson broke out last season, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from three across 54 games. Denver is believed to be seeking a first-round pick and a rotation player, so nothing sounds close. A Cleveland move would likely reduce Watson's scoring chances next to Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, but his threes, steals, and blocks would keep him fantasy-relevant if the minutes hold.

Aug 10

Peyton Watson • SF • Nuggets

Peyton Watson Draws Four-Team Interest

Denver Nuggets restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson remains unsigned, with the Clippers, Hawks, Bucks, and Cavaliers all connected to his market, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, citing prior reporting from Shams Charania. Denver is reportedly open to sign-and-trade scenarios and would consider a package built around one impact player and a future first-round pick. Watson broke out in 2025-26, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 49.1 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from three. A persistent hamstring issue limited him to 54 games and cost him the playoffs, so his fantasy ceiling depends on both health and landing spot. A starting role elsewhere would help, while a Denver return keeps him fighting for touches in a crowded rotation.

Aug 8

Peyton Watson • SF • Nuggets

Peyton Watson Could Take Qualifying Offer

Denver Nuggets restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson is prepared to accept his one-year, $6.5 million qualifying offer if Denver cannot complete a sign-and-trade, according to Evan Sidery, citing Shams Charania. Sidery adds that the Bucks, Cavaliers, and Clippers are in active talks with Denver. The Nuggets have reportedly offered Watson a five-year, $70 million deal, but the 23-year-old remains unsigned after a breakout season in which he averaged career highs of 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 41.1 percent from three. A move to Milwaukee could give him a cleaner path to usage, while a return to Denver would keep him fighting for touches around Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon. Watson has fantasy appeal, but his ceiling depends on where this standoff ends.

Aug 6

Zeke Nnaji • C • Nuggets

Zeke Nnaji Remains on Trade Block

Denver Nuggets forward/center Zeke Nnaji remains on the trade block as Denver works to navigate second-apron restrictions, according to Evan Sidery. Nnaji is owed roughly $7.5 million this season and has a $7.5 million player option for 2027-28, making this more of a salary-shedding situation than a fantasy-relevant move. The former first-round pick has faded from Denver's rotation, averaging 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 12.0 minutes across 52 games last season. A trade would not create much value behind Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and Marvin Bagley III, but it could matter as a financial domino in Peyton Watson sign-and-trade talks. Watson remains a restricted free agent after Denver reportedly offered him a five-year, $70 million deal.

Aug 6

Lonnie Walker IV • SF • Nuggets

Lonnie Walker IV Returns to NBA with Nuggets

Guard Lonnie Walker IV has agreed to a one-year, $3.3 million deal with the Denver Nuggets, agent George S. Langberg told ESPN's Shams Charania. Walker returns to the NBA after spending last season with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he averaged 15.2 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in EuroLeague play. He last played stateside with Philadelphia in 2024-25, posting 12.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists across 20 games. Denver has a clear need for bench scoring after Tim Hardaway Jr. left for Miami, but Walker still has to fight Julian Strawther for perimeter minutes and Tyus Jones for backup ball-handling reps behind Jamal Murray and Christian Braun. In a Nikola Jokic-led offense with limited spare usage, Walker is more of a rotation flyer than a fantasy target.

Aug 6

Zeke Nnaji • C • Nuggets

Bucks Could Absorb Zeke Nnaji's Contract

Denver Nuggets forward/center Zeke Nnaji could be included as a salary piece in a potential sign-and-trade that would send restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson to the Milwaukee Bucks, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Milwaukee has not offered a first-round pick, so taking on the $14.93 million left on Nnaji's contract over the next two seasons could be its clearest way to help Denver cut salary near the second apron. Nnaji is not a fantasy factor, but Watson's landing spot carries more weight. The 23-year-old averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and shot 41.1 percent from deep last season. A post-Giannis reset in Milwaukee could give him more minutes and usage than he had in Denver.

Aug 1

Peyton Watson • SF • Nuggets

Bucks, Nuggets Discuss Peyton Watson Sign-and-Trade

Restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson has been the focus of active sign-and-trade discussions between the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets, per Evan Sidery. A package featuring AJ Green and a future first-round pick could be headed to Denver if the sides find a deal. Watson broke out in 2025-26, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 41.1 percent from three. A move to Milwaukee could give him a clearer path to starter-level minutes than he had in Denver's crowded rotation. Green, who shot 41.9 percent from three on 7.1 attempts per game, would be a natural floor-spacing fit next to Nikola Jokic. Nothing is finalized, so both fantasy outlooks stay fluid until a deal lands.

Jul 29

Peyton Watson • SF • Nuggets

Nuggets Offer Peyton Watson $70 Million Deal

Restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson has received a five-year, $70 million offer from the Denver Nuggets, per Tony Jones of The Athletic. The offer sits well below Watson's preferred range, as the 23-year-old has been looking to top Christian Braun's five-year, $125 million deal. Watson is also weighing whether to accept his $6.5 million qualifying offer and reach unrestricted free agency in 2027. He is coming off a breakout season, averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 41.1 percent from three. Denver wants to keep him, but the Spencer Jones match pushed the team into the second apron. If Watson stays, he remains an ascending nine-category wing with strong dynasty appeal.

Jul 28

Peyton Watson • SF • Nuggets

Peyton Watson Linked to Three-Team Market

Restricted free-agent forward Peyton Watson has been linked to the Bucks, Clippers, and Hawks in sign-and-trade scenarios, per Shams Charania of ESPN, via Evan Sidery. Watson, 23, is coming off a breakout season, posting career highs of 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 41.1 percent from three and adding 0.9 steals and 1.1 blocks. Denver wants to keep the two-way wing but faces a cap crunch after the Spencer Jones match raised its league-high payroll. For fantasy, Watson is an ascending nine-category asset on his threes, steals, and blocks, and a sign-and-trade to a team needing offense could lift his usage. He is a strong dynasty buy wherever he lands.

Jul 27

Spencer Jones • PF • Nuggets

Nuggets Match Offer Sheet to Retain Spencer Jones

The Denver Nuggets have matched Oklahoma City's two-year, $12 million offer sheet on forward Spencer Jones, keeping the restricted free agent, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Denver prioritized retaining the homegrown wing it signed as an undrafted rookie in 2024, even though the match carries a steep tax and apron cost. Jones carved out a rotation role last season, starting 37 games and shooting 39.6 percent from three, then shot an NBA-best 69.2 percent from deep in a small playoff sample. Back in Denver in a modest role, he stays a 3-and-D wing with deep league appeal for his shooting, but his low scoring volume caps his standard league value.

Jul 27

Denver Nuggets News

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