DeMar DeRozan's Reaction to Jokic, Gordon, Murray Recruiting Him to Nuggets and Kings Exit Revealed

Veteran guard DeMar DeRozan knows he's getting closer to the end of his career, but it means a lot that a perennial contender like the Denver Nuggets still wanted him following his departure from the Sacramento Kings.

While speaking to The Athletic's Mirin Fader , DeRozan revealed that Nuggets stars Nikola Jokić, Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray all called him to recruit him to Denver, which influenced the 37-year-old's decision to sign with the team.

"When I came in the league, I never would have imagined or thought I'd be playing that long," DeRozan said. "And when you get in, you don't realize how fast and how much time goes by. … It's a blessing to be able to play this long."

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DeRozan spent the last two seasons with the Kings and was one of the few bright spots for a rebuilding team. He averaged 18.4 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists during the 2025-26 season as Sacramento tied for the worst record in the Western Conference at 22-60. It was his first time averaging under 20 points since his fourth year in the league in 2012-13.

Despite the Kings' lack of success, DeRozan admitted that it was difficult to part ways with the franchise this offseason.

"You gain relationships with players, staff, people within the organization," DeRozan said. "It's always tough to leave. I was extremely close with a lot of people."

DeRozan and the Nuggets will open the 2026-27 season on Oct. 22 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.