What happened: Denver has agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract with EuroLeague Defender of the Year Alpha Diallo, agents Jared Mucha and Javon Phillips of Excel Sports Management confirmed to ESPN. The 29-year-old, a former Providence standout, makes his NBA debut after building his reputation as a defensive force in Europe.
Why it matters: Denver adds a low-cost defensive piece using cap room freed when it waived center Jonas Valanciunas. The deal gives the Nuggets rotation depth heading into the 2026-27 season as the front office also works through a Peyton Watson sign-and-trade market and Nikola Jokic's plan to sign an extension next summer.
By the numbers: $1.4 million: value of Diallo's one-year deal with Denver. 29: Diallo's age entering his first NBA season.
What to watch: Diallo will look to carry his EuroLeague defensive reputation into an NBA rotation role once Denver's offseason roster additions are finalized.