The Denver Nuggets kept working the edges of their roster on Wednesday, landing undrafted guard Ryan Nembhard on a two-way deal while making room by moving on from another player.
Denver’s pursuit of Nembhard had been building for days. Marc Stein reported that the guard had drawn “strong interest from Denver and some other yet-to-be-disclosed teams … many of whom would have to create an open two-way contract spot to sign him," and then added that Nembhard had received multiple two-way offers before picking the Nuggets, who had been “seen as the leader in the clubhouse from the jump.” Stein also reported that Denver was expected to part ways with KJ Simpson to finalize the move.
It’s another example of the Nuggets trying to squeeze value out of a tight financial situation. Cap space has been a problem all summer, and that lack of flexibility was a major reason they had to ship Peyton Watson off. But even with limited room to maneuver, Denver has kept hunting for players it believes can outperform their label.
That approach has already shown up with Cam Whitmore, whom the Nuggets signed a few weeks ago on a two-way contract for the same kind of upside swing. Jake Weinbach called the pair “Great value for Denver, especially as a second apron team, as both Nembhard and Whitmore could play meaningful minutes throughout the regular season,”
Nembhard brings a skill that jumps off the page. He has recorded 23 assists in a single game during his career, a clear sign of the kind of distributor Denver thinks it can mold into something useful. If the Nuggets get this right, they may have found another one of those under-the-radar bets that can pay off later.
There’s also a natural learning path here. Nembhard could pick up plenty from Jamal Murray once he gets around the NBA group, or even just during training camp.
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Los Angeles is already in training camp for the 2026 season and still looking at ways to shore up its wing group, which is why Christie has surfaced as a name to watch. If the Lakers decide their current wing production is not enough, they could circle back before the Feb. 11 trade deadline, and Dallas would have to weigh whether its latest Luka-era asset is becoming too valuable to move. [Read more 🡒]
Mavs Fans Have A Fair Concern About Morez Johnson Jr. Right Now
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For a team hoping to lean on its young talent sooner rather than later, that naturally raises some concern, even if the Mavericks are not treating it like a setback. P.J. Washington has already come away impressed by Johnsons strength and work ethic in practice, so the ability is there, but the bigger question now is how quickly Dallas can build him up without pushing too fast. [Read more 🡒]
Mavericks Still Have One Big Rotation Question Around Kyrie And Flagg
Training camp has given the Mavericks a fresh look under Dusty May, with Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg expected to be on the floor together as Dallas sorts out how the pieces fit. The new coach is still digging through options, mixing and matching lineups while the group gets its first real reps together and new arrivals like Zaccharie Risacher and Sergio de Larrea settle into NBA life.
The biggest short-term issue is less about star power than about finding a workable rotation around it, especially with several frontcourt players not fully available. Morez Johnson Jr. has been limited by lower-leg soreness, while Santi Aldama and Dereck Lively II are also dealing with leg-related injuries, leaving Dallas with enough talent to dream about the season ahead but still plenty to sort out before the opener. [Read more 🡒]