Top EuroLeague defender signs with NBA contender

USA TODAY Sports

Top EuroLeague defender signs with NBA contender

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jul 12, 2026 4:36 PM ET

An intriguing player from EuroLeague is making the jump to the NBA in 2026-27.

Alpha Diallo, the reigning EuroLeague Defender of the Year, is signing a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. The 29-year-old will be due $1.4 million in guaranteed money.

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

Diallo played collegiately at Providence and has spent nearly his entire professional career playing for Monaco. He averaged 1.4 steals per game last season as his team won the French league title.

Essentially, the Nuggets are taking a chance on a player that could contribute to their rotation at little cost to them. If Diallo can bring his defensive prowess to the NBA, they could have a steal on their hands. If not, there is no real long-term damage.

Denver has some key rotation pieces that they are not guaranteed to keep. Diallo offers them some insurance there, too.

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