DeMar DeRozan stood out as one of the most intriguing available free agents left on the market due to his veteran presence and high level of play in the NBA. Now, the uncertainty surrounding his future comes to an end following an offseason filled with rumors, with all signs pointing to his arrival in Denver Nuggets.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Nuggets and DeRozan have finally reached a one-year agreement. “DeMar DeRozan has agreed to sign with the Denver Nuggets on a one-year, $3.9 million deal,” Charania reported. The signing sets up a compelling potential starting lineup anchored by Nikola Jokic.
Denver Nuggets expected starting five:
- PG: Jamal Murray
- SG: DeMar DeRozan
- SF: Cameron Johnson
- PF: Aaron Gordon
- C: Nikola Jokic
Contract details in deal between DeRozan and Nuggets
The deal represents a low-cost addition for Denver, bringing in an accomplished scorer without making a significant long-term financial commitment. However, the financial implications for the franchise extend beyond DeRozan‘s base salary.
Free agent, DeMar DeRozan.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Nuggets will incur a $2.4 million cap hit on DeRozan’s contract. Denver will now have 14 players on guaranteed contracts and is projected to sit approximately $3.15 million above the NBA’s second apron.
Marks added that Denver is currently projected to face a $75 million luxury tax penalty. DeRozan became an unrestricted free agent after the Sacramento Kings released him in July, ending his two-year stint with the franchise.
DeRozan’s recent performance
Despite turning 37 earlier this month, DeRozan remained productive last season, averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 steal across 77 games for Sacramento. The veteran has played 17 NBA seasons with the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, and Sacramento Kings, earning six All-Star selections.
