The Denver Nuggets may already be lining up a fallback plan if Peyton Watson moves on, and DeMar DeRozan has surfaced as a name worth watching.
Watson has been the subject of sign-and-trade discussion for weeks, and one of the teams tied to him, the Cleveland Cavaliers, has already taken the first step toward creating the cap room they’d need to bring him in, if that ends up being the route they take. That gives Denver a natural opening to start thinking about what comes next for the 2026-27 season, and DeRozan fits the bill as a veteran alternative.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported in the latest edition of The Stein Line that the Nuggets are among the teams interested in the 37-year-old, 17-year veteran. Stein wrote: "The Wizards, meanwhile, shifted their intent to sign another veteran this offseason by showing some interest in DeMar DeRozan, pursuing the former All-Star swingman along with teams such as Miami and Denver," Stein said.
If Watson does get dealt, DeRozan would make a lot of sense as the next man up. He’d almost certainly have to take the veteran minimum, and a reserve role would be new territory for him after a career spent mostly in the starting five.
But at this stage, that’s likely the reality he’d face no matter where he lands. In Denver, he could step into the kind of sixth-man job the Nuggets would need after the departure of Tim Hardaway Jr.
The fit is obvious on the offensive end. DeRozan’s defense would be a step down from Watson’s, but his scoring touch is still very much intact. Last season with the Sacramento Kings, the six-time All-Star averaged 18.4 points while shooting 49.7% from the floor.
It was the first time in 13 years that DeRozan finished below 20 points per game, but the mid-range game is still as polished as ever. Put him next to Nikola Jokic, and there’s a real path for him to work as a slasher and finisher around the rim. His basketball IQ also stands out, and that kind of feel should pair well with Jokic’s game.
The biggest adjustment would be accepting life off the bench. DeRozan has started every game he has played outside of 12 contests in his rookie year, so the role would be unfamiliar. Still, his experience and smarts suggest he could handle it if that’s the opportunity in front of him.
For Denver, the appeal is simple: if Watson is traded, DeRozan may be the best veteran option left.
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