The Denver Nuggets made a major addition to their roster earlier this week by signing six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan to a one-year deal.After the Nuggets had just said goodbye to Peyton Watson in a sign-and-trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers for a future first and second round pick, the DeRozan deal was able to spread a bit of optimism surrounding the Nuggets and how their roster might look entering next season.And for the Nuggets, it seems like their desire to pair with DeRozan wasn't anything new. In fact, their interest in the 17-year league vet has spanned back several months.How the Nuggets' Signing for DeMar DeRozan Came to FruitionAccording to The Denver Post's Bennett Durando, the Nuggets have been monitoring DeRozan and his situation dating back to February. That's because DeRozan's name had appeared in talks for a buyout after the Sacramento Kings had decided not to ship him out at the trade deadline earlier in the month.Instead, February came and went. DeRozan remained in Sacramento until he hit the free agent market this summer. Then, the Nuggets decided to strike."The Nuggets have been monitoring DeRozan’s situation in Sacramento dating back to February, when they were prepared to pursue him on the buyout market if the Kings had released him then, league sources told The Post," Durando wrote."When he became a free agent this summer, Denver put together a sustained recruitment that involved players, coaches and executives, one source close to DeRozan said. Aaron Gordon and assistant coach Jared Dudley were two of the key individuals with prior relationships to DeRozan who spoke with him in recent weeks."After LeBron James had signed to the Philadelphia 76ers, DeRozan remained up for grabs as one of, if not the best, veteran free agent who was still left on the market creeping into the end of August.Even in his last season with the Kings, DeRozan finished the year averaging 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, playing in all but five games of Sacramento's 82-game season.So it made sense that for Denver, a team who's a top contender in the Western Conference looking to get better, but strapped for cash, would take interest in a veteran minimum candidate like DeRozan. And they seemingly had interest in him before he was a free agent this summer.He's been a consistently productive, consistently available star throughout his now-17-year career, having played in less than 70 games in just four seasons of his career, and averaging less than 18 points per game in a season three times in his career.Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) before the game against the LA Clippers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectFor the Nuggets, he was a necessary bargain addition to their lineup, and feels like a good bet as someone who can fill their sixth man role, despite only coming off the bench in 12 regular season games throughout the 1,264 he's played throughout his time in the league.Denver's bench has seen multiple departures throughout this offseason, and could've benefited immensely from a proven veteran like DeRozan, who's available, eager to contribute to a winning situation, and has been one of the more clutch players the NBA has seen in recent years.Clearly, the Nuggets' top recruiters—which included the likes of Aaron Gordon and Jared Dudley—saw the value that DeRozan brought to the table as well. And now, the multiple-time All-Star is signed on and will be able to fill a key role in Denver for the next stop of what's been an impressive pro career.Sign up for our free Denver Nuggets On SI newsletter, and get breaking Nuggets news delivered to your inbox daily!Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow