The Denver Nuggets have been at the center of talks in recent days after trading Peyton Watson to Cleveland.
Reports heavily link the Nuggets to NBA veteran DeMar DeRozan to replace the 23-year-old, and with recent news out of Miami dropping, Denver inches closer to being his next destination.
Klay Thompson expects to sign with the Heat, seemingly ending any chance DeRozan heads to Miami.
“Klay Thompson is expected to sign with the Miami Heat after he clears waivers upon a contract buyout with the Dallas Mavericks,” per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
How Thompson’s Signing Affects Denver’s Pursuits
Analysts saw Miami as one of the primary landing spots for DeRozan, given its ability to contend in the Eastern Conference and DeRozan being able to play a key role.
However, reports say the Heat organization saw Thompson as a priority and waited for his buyout with the Dallas Mavericks.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 10: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts following the Atlanta Hawks 124-112 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at State Farm Arena on March 10, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
“Thompson and the Mavericks navigated a buyout from his $17.5 million expiring salary after the four-time NBA champion made it clear to Dallas that he wanted to play for a contender,” Charania said in an X post. “The Heat made one of the NBA’s all-time greatest shooters their top free agent priority this summer to surround Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo and waited nearly two months on his release.”
With Miami bowing out of the race for DeRozan, Denver remains a likely landing spot for the six-time All-Star.
The Nuggets are strongly pursuing DeRozan, per NBA Insider Chris Haynes, and with other teams allegedly in pursuit signing others, Denver’s chances only grow.
Others in the Race
GettySACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 15: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the Sacramento Kings drives to the basket on Cody Williams #5 of the Utah Jazz in the second half at Golden 1 Center on March 15, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics are a team floating around as well, especially after Jaylen Brown’s departure. Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes named the Celtics as the best spot for DeRozan to land.
Hughes sees him as the gap-filler for Brown’s departure.
According to Bleacher Report’s Timothy Rapp, another name thrown around is the Wizards. Washington was in pursuit of Russell Westbrook, but due to his retirement, has shifted gears to another veteran guard.
The Wizards don’t offer a championship-contending roster — a big hit to their hopes of signing DeRozan.
Despite the links to Boston and Washington, Denver has been the name thrown out the most.
Nuggets Seemingly Closer to Signing Six-Time All-Star After Klay Thompson Signs With Heat