Veteran guard DeMar DeRozan, at 37 years old, knows he’s nearing the end of his illustrious career, but that did not stop perennial contender Denver Nuggets from making a full-court press to bring him aboard after his departure from the Sacramento Kings. Nuggets stars Nikola Jokić, Aaron Gordon, and Jamal Murray all personally called DeRozan to recruit him to Denver, a move that clearly influenced his decision to sign with the team. How often do you see three guys like that actively chasing a player who’s been around the block? It speaks volumes.
From Rebuilding to Reigning, What a Turnaround
DeRozan spent his last two seasons with the Sacramento Kings, a team very much in a rebuild. He was one of the few bright spots on that roster, putting up 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists during the 2025-26 season. Now, let’s be real, those numbers are solid, especially for a guy his age, but it was also his first time averaging under 20 points since way back in his fourth year in the league, 2012-13. The Kings, unfortunately, were nowhere near contention, tying for the worst record in the Western Conference at a dismal 22-60. You gotta respect his honesty when he reflected on his career, saying, “When I came in the league, I never would have imagined or thought I’d be playing that long. And when you get in, you don’t realize how fast and how much time goes by. … It’s a blessing to be able to play this long.” That’s the perspective of a true pro, looking back at an incredible journey.
Leaving the Kings Was Tough, But Denver Calls
Despite the Kings’ struggles, parting ways with the franchise this offseason was not easy for DeRozan. He opened up about the personal connections he made in Sacramento, explaining, “You gain relationships with players, staff, people within the organization. It’s always tough to leave. I was extremely close with a lot of people.” You hear that kind of thing all the time, but for a veteran like DeRozan, who has seen it all, those bonds are real. Still, when the reigning MVP and two other stars are on the phone, the pull of a contender has to be undeniable. This isn’t just a new team; it’s a new lease on his career, a chance to really contribute to a winning culture.
DeMar DeRozan and the Nuggets are set to kick off the 2026-27 season on October 22, going head-to-head against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Talk about jumping straight into it. You know he’s looking forward to making an immediate impact on a team with legitimate championship aspirations.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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