Nuggets Decline DaRon Holmes’ $5.5 Million Option
The Denver Nuggets declined DaRon Holmes’ 2027-28 team option on November 3, setting up the forward-center to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Denver has declined its $5.5 million option on DaRon Holmes for the 2027-28 season. The 24-year-old, selected 22nd overall in 2024, is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Holmes sat out all of his rookie season after suffering an Achilles tear during the 2024 NBA Summer League. He made his Nuggets debut in October 2025 and appeared in 25 games during his first full season, posting 3.7 points and 1.4 rebounds over 8.4 minutes per game.
He put up better numbers while playing for the Grand Rapids Gold in the NBA G League, averaging 20.8 points, 7.9 rebounds and 3.8 assists. In Denver, however, he has played only five minutes across the team’s first six games this season, with four games in which he did not enter the contest.
Denver gave up the 28th and 56th picks in the 2024 draft, plus second-round picks in 2026 and 2031, to move up four places and select Holmes. The 28th pick was Ryan Dunn, now a defensive-minded forward for Phoenix who has started 60 games—more than Holmes has played for Denver.
Holmes could see more playing time if Nikola Jokic or Marvin Bagley III is unavailable. For now, the Nuggets’ decision means they will not commit the option-year salary, and Holmes is on course to reach free agency next summer.