DeMar DeRozan could become a name to watch for the Denver Nuggets, but only under one major condition.
According to ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel on the Clutch Scoops podcast, Denver could keep DeRozan as a possible backup option if other roster moves materialize.
However, the veteran forward would likely have to accept a minimum contract for that scenario to become realistic.
"He is, but again, it comes down to whether or not DeMar DeRozan would be willing to take a minimum contract," Siegel said when asked whether DeRozan could be an option for the Nuggets.
DeRozan remains one of the most notable names still on the market, but his current financial expectations appear to be higher than what Denver can offer.
"We've heard that of the teams that are interested in him, he wants either part or all of their mid-level exception right now," Siegel said.
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DeRozan has other options
Siegel mentioned several teams that could offer DeRozan more than the Nuggets.
"So you're talking about the Heat who have about, I think, it's $8 to $10 million left in their mid-level exception; you have the Cleveland Cavaliers who have part of their mid-level exception; you have the Timberwolves, maybe they're a team that goes after DeMar DeRozan," Siegel said.
Because of that, Siegel does not currently expect DeRozan to settle for a minimum deal.
"Personally, I don't see him taking a minimum contract," Siegel said.
Still, the Nuggets could remain a possible landing spot if DeRozan prioritizes a championship opportunity over money.
"If he views the Denver Nuggets as the best chance of winning a championship and they give him a starting role… maybe they do go after DeMar DeRozan, and that's an option for them," Siegel added.
Six-time All-Star searching for first championship
The Toronto Raptors selected DeRozan with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft.
He spent his first nine seasons in Toronto before being traded to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2018 deal that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors.
DeRozan played three seasons in San Antonio and another three with the Chicago Bulls before joining Sacramento through a sign-and-trade in 2024. He is a six-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA selection.
Despite his long list of individual accomplishments, DeRozan has yet to win an NBA title or reach the NBA Finals.
DeRozan averaged 18.4 points, 4.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.0 steal across 77 appearances for Sacramento during the 2025-26 season.