Two days after it was announced that the Denver Nuggets were interested in EuroLeague reigning Defensive Player of the Year, a deal has come to fruition. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Alpha Diallo has agreed to a one-year, $1.35 million deal.
EuroLeague Defender of the Year Alpha Diallo has agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million deal to sign with the Denver Nuggets, agents Jared Mucha and Javon Phillips of Excel Sports Management tell ESPN. The former Providence standout and Euro star makes the NBA jump at 29 years old on… pic.twitter.com/aaN5t7AIFi
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 12, 2026
Alpha Diallo Agrees to NBA Deal While Russell Westbrook Could Be Headed to Miami
This is Diallo’s first NBA contract, as the 29-year-old has spent the past six seasons overseas after going undrafted out of Providence in 2020. Diallo had transferred to Dubai Basketball earlier this summer from French club AS Monaco, though he had an NBA-out clause until July 15. He did spend the summer with the Phoenix Suns
Diallo is coming off the best season of his career. He averaged 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds (1.4 offensive), 1.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in 72 games. He also scored in double figures 50 times and knocked down 1.1 threes with shooting splits of 50.1/33.5/76.4.
With the addition of the Denver native, the Nuggets now have 12 players under contract for the upcoming season with a salary cap hit of $216.42 million. Known as an elite on-ball defender who can guard 1-through-4 positions, Diallo was signed as an inexpensive role player who can help improve the Nuggets’ defense, which finished 21st in the league. Offensively, he is an outstanding cutter and does his best work around the rim.
Regardless of what ultimately happens with restricted free agent Peyton Watson, Diallo figures to have a considerable role with the Nuggets this year. If Watson does return — which now seems unlikely unless he signs his qualifying offer or the Nuggets make a trade — Diallo or Julian Strawther projects to be the first wing off the ball behind Watson and Christian Braun.
With the Nuggets only $5.1 million below the second apron, they are likely to carry only 14 players heading into the season opener. Therefore, they need to add two more players. A combo guard and a wing should be on top of their wishlist. KJ Simpson is their only player on a two-way contract.
Could Russell Westbrook Land In Miami?
Russell Westbrook is looking to play for his ninth team as he heads into year No. 19. According to the New York Post’s Stefan Bondy, the 38-year-old may end up in Miami: “According to a league source, Russell Westbrook is a candidate to join the Heat but not if LeBron signs in Miami.” Bondy wrote.
As noted in my story today from Vegas, the Miami Heat are the team to watch for free agent Russell Westbrook, league sources sayhttps://t.co/50yG0aHZwa
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) July 12, 2026
Westbrook, an unrestricted free agent, is coming off a productive if inefficient season in his lone campaign in Sacramento. Westbrook averaged 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 64 games for the Kings. He also posted 16 double-doubles and six triple-doubles. However, turnovers and shooting were big issues; he finished with shooting splits of 42.7/33.8/69.4.
Miami needs a point guard, whether to start or come off the bench. Davion Mitchell is the incumbent starter at the 1 and did an outstanding job, but he is not a true offensive threat. Plus, Mitchell is most effective in short bursts.
The Heat are hard-capped at the first apron, which they are currently $10.6 million under, with two spots to fill — they will likely enter the season with 14 players on the 15-man roster to maintain flexibility.
Interestingly, Bondy mentioned that the Heat are a destination only if LeBron James doesn’t land in South Beach. James lobbied the Lakers hard to sign Westbrook in 2021, though that partnership didn’t meet expectations. However, if James signs with the Heat, he would likely handle the ball when he was on the floor. So, it would be redundant to have two old guys filling the same role.
Photo Credit: David Gonzales, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
