Prior to DeMar DeRozan's signing with the Denver Nuggets, there were plenty of media members and fans alike saying how they didn't think DeRozan would be a good fit with the team. But the most important members of the Nuggets never got that memo. In fact, they've wanted Deebo in Denver all along, and for far longer than many of us even realized until after his signing. The Nuggets may have missed out on LeBron James in free agency, but in the end, they still got their crafty veteran of choice.
That's right. The Nuggets have had their eyes on DeRozan for some time. Per Bennett Durando of the Denver Post, the team's interest goes back to last season when the Nuggets were hoping to land DeRozan on the buyout market around the trade deadline. And when he became available this summer after the Sacramento Kings eventually provided the buyout, the Nuggets sent their best recruiters to work.
DeRozan is Nikola Jokic-approved. That's the best sign of this fit working
For anyone who's worried about the offensive fit, you shouldn't be. Nikola Jokic himself was one of the recruiters working to bring DeRozan to Denver to chase his first championship ring. Perhaps that's why Jokic said, "It's going to be okay" when he was asked about the Peyton Watson sign-and-trade. He probably already knew Deebo was on his way to Denver.
DeMar DeRozan has been in conversations with Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray and is anxious for the opportunity to play for a contending team, sources say. Denver adds another veteran clutch bucket-getter. https://t.co/ONqDT9xqxl
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 21, 2026
In fact, it wasn't just Joker who got into Deebo's ear. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon also pitched the situation to DeRozan, according to Chris Haynes. So this addition was never a shock to anyone on the team. You have to assume they all discussed how the fit would be, DeRozan's role, whether he could come off the bench, and so on. And can you imagine that recruiting call with Jokic?
"Hey, DeMar, this is Nikola. Listen, I'm the best basketball player in the world. I'm the best player you've ever played alongside. I make everyone around me better. I'll get you wide-open buckets, and we'll go try to win the championship. Okay? Sounds good? Awesome! See you at training camp!" Click.
How can a 17-year veteran who's never made it to an NBA Finals say no to that? He couldn't, and the Nuggets got one of the top offensive options on the free agent market at a discounted rate.
If the Nuggets who matter are happy with this deal, fans should be too
Jokic, Murray, and Mr. Nugget's opinions carry more weight than anyone else's on the issue of DeRozan's fit in my book. They're going to be playing next to him, and they know how and what DeRozan does and has to offer. So if they're happy to recruit him, fans should be happy, too.
At the end of the day, getting your guy means a lot. DeRozan was the choice free agent pick for the Nuggets who matter most. And that's going to go a long way toward cohesion on the court in 2026-27.
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