Evaluating Every Notable Nuggets Departure This Offseason

The Denver Nuggets went into the 2026 offseason with expectations of change, especially after their first-round playoff exit, but things did not shake out as fans wanted. While their offseason is far from over, with likely two more signings left, we can go ahead and look at everything the franchise has lost this summer.

The Nuggets have had five notable departures this offseason, and the loss of some players will sting more than others, but it is clear they are in a worse spot heading into the 2026-27 season than before. Here is a look at the Nuggets' most brutal departures of the offseason and how they will hurt the team:

Peyton Watson

Of course, the most recent departure and undoubtedly the most important is Peyton Watson. The 23-year-old wing was a restricted free agent this offseason, and while there was initial optimism that the Nuggets would be able to re-sign him, they ultimately had to give him up in a sign-and-trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Watson was Denver's most versatile defender and an improving offensive contributor, and losing him will certainly hurt the team's bench unit. Last season, he averaged 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.0 stocks per game with efficient 49.1/41.1 shooting splits.

The Nuggets were patient with Watson, as the former first-round pick finally broke out in his fourth season. However, as soon as he broke out and showed what he was truly capable of, the Nuggets let him go. This loss will certainly hurt the Nuggets this season, and his two-way impact will be hard for them to replace.

Tim Hardaway Jr.

While this loss will not be felt as much defensively as Watson, the Nuggets' offense will certainly miss having Tim Hardaway Jr. on the floor. Hardaway Jr. finished third in NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting last season, averaging 13.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 40.7% from three-point range.

Hardaway Jr. was the exact sparkplug the Nuggets needed off the bench last season, and he played a huge role in Denver's path to being the league's top three-point shooting team. Hardaway Jr. might be an easier player to replace than Watson, but both of their losses will be felt by the Nuggets this season.

Hardaway Jr. left Denver in free agency to take more money with the Miami Heat, which is something that was out of the Nuggets' control. They hope that fourth-year guard Julian Strawther can fill his shoes, but his absence will undoubtedly be felt in their offense this season.

Bruce Brown

Bruce Brown is still a free agent, and while there is a chance he re-signs with the Nuggets this offseason, it feels like Denver is preparing to go in a different direction. If Brown's time with the Nuggets is over, his absence might hurt more than many people expect.

Sure, Brown is not the most impactful player on either side of the ball, but after losing Russell Westbrook in the 2025 offseason, they needed Brown back to fill that role as a high-energy guard who will give it his all every night, try on defense, and make the right plays on offense. Some fans have been ready to wave goodbye to Brown, but the 29-year-old loves putting on a Nuggets uniform, and the franchise should still welcome him back.

Last season, he averaged 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steal per game, while shooting 47.5% from the field and 38.5% from deep. Brown can still make an impact in Denver's second unit, but if they let him walk, they could end up feeling the loss, especially since they still need reinforcements in their guard room.

Jonas Valanciunas

The Nuggets waived Jonas Valanciunas this offseason to save about $8 million, and since then, the 33-year-old center has signed with Zalgiris Kaunas of the Lithuanian Basketball League and the EuroLeague.

It felt like Valanciunas's time in Denver was coming to an end when he fell out of the rotation toward the end of the season and barely played in the playoffs, so the team parting with him did not come as a surprise, especially as they looked to cut costs. Fortunately, the Nuggets were able to quickly replace him with free agent big man Marvin Bagley III, making the loss sting less and still giving the team much-needed center depth.

The loss of Valanciunas should not impact the Nuggets too much this season, as long as their new-look frontcourt works out in their favor.

Jalen Pickett

The Nuggets had the choice to keep Jalen Pickett, but ultimately declined his $2.4 million team option, which sent him to the open market. Pickett then landed a two-way contract with the L.A. Clippers, officially marking the end of his Nuggets tenure.

Pickett, 26, averaged 5.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game last season, while shooting 38.6% from beyond the arc. Pickett was certainly not the most impactful backup guard for the Nuggets, but for a team that desperately needed backcourt depth, it was surprising to see them let him go.

Realistically, though, his loss will not impact the Nuggets too much. Sure, it would be nice to have him available on the bench, but Denver's rotation should be just fine without him.

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