The Denver Nuggets’ 2025-26 roster appears to be set as they inked Kessler Edwards to a contract today, according to Michael Scotto of HoopHype.
“The Denver Nuggets and forward Kessler Edwards have agreed to a deal, league sources told hoophype.”
Former 2-Way Player Gets Another NBA Chance With Nuggets
Edwards was with the Dallas Mavericks on a two-way contract, but saw extensive action as injuries besieged the Mavericks. While Edwards didn’t have a great season with the Mavericks (40 appearances), he did show some improvement after the All-Star break.
In 14 games following the NBA’s mid-season festivities, Edwards averaged 8.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists with shooting splits of .549/.500/.900. Overall, he scored in double-figures six times and produced one double-double.
Edwards has been a bit of a journeyman since being selected with the No. 44 pick in the 2021 draft by Brooklyn. Edwards spent one and one-half seasons with the Nets before being traded to Sacramento. The 25-year-old spent the rest of the 2022-23 season with the Kings and the entire 2023-24 campaign with them, although he didn’t see much time.
Edwards is an athletic, versatile 3-and-D archetype who can guard four positions. The 6-8 forward is not a great shooter and is more of a volume 3-point shooter. He has yet to show himself to be an efficient scorer. However, Edwards can do a little bit of everything and excels in off-the-ball action.
According to Vinny Benedetto of the Denver Gazette, Edwards’ deal is a nonguaranteed Exhibit 1o deal. Therefore, Edwards will have to impress the Nuggets brass to earn a roster spot. He is not eligible for a two-way deal as he is entering his fifth NBA season.
Looking At the Nuggets’ 2025 Roster
Denver has had a strong offseason. After firing Mike Malone after nearly 10 years on the bench, they went 3-0 under interim head coach David Adelman and took Oklahoma City to seven games in the Western Conference semifinals. Adelman, of course, got the full-time gig following the season.
Denver added four veterans this summer who are expected to be in its rotation, including major potential major contributors Cam Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas. The Nuggets got Johnson in the blockbuster trade with Brooklyn for Michael Porter Jr. and Valancuanas from Sacramento for Dario Saric.
While Johnson is slated to step right into Porter’s starting spot, Valanciunas is going to be Nikola Jokic‘s backup. The Nuggets also added much-needed depth on the wings with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown.
Peyton Watson showed the necessary improvement in year three, and Julian Strawther also took a step in year two, so they are locked in Adelman’s rotation. DaRon Holmes, who missed all of last season due to injury, looked good during Vegas Summer League play and could be among the players competing for time with the second unit. Jalen Pickett should also be in the mix.
What Else For Nuggets To Do This Offseason
Zeke Nnaji has not lived up to expectations after being selected in the 2020 first round. Hunter Tyson has struggled in his two years with the Nuggets and also during this past July’s summer league in Vegas.
Denver has an open roster spot on its 15-man roster. But the Nuggets are already over the luxury tax threshold, so it is conceivable that they wanted to make Edwards “earn” his way onto the squad rather than adding to their potential tax. If Edwards performs well during camp, the Nuggets likely wouldn’t hesitate adding him to the roster.
However, it wouldn’t make sense for the Nuggets to cut ties with Tyson. Unless they add another player, even if Edwards outplays him. Tyson’s contract is fully guaranteed.
With the addition of Edwards, the Nuggets have 18 players committed to training camp, including three players on minor league deals. While the Nuggets have Pickett and Brown, along with two-way players (Tamar Bates and Curtis Jones) as backups to Jamal Murray, it would likely behoove them to sign a veteran point guard for their 15th spot.
Photo Credit: Alonzo Adams, Imagn Images
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