Nuggets exercising options on pair of young players

The Denver Nuggets are picking up their rookie scale team options for 2026-27 on both Julian Strawther and DaRon Holmes, reports Katy Winge of Altitude Sports.

Strawther, the 29th overall pick in the 2023 draft, emerged as a regular part of Denver’s rotation last season, averaging 9.0 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 21.3 minutes per game across 65 appearances, with a shooting line of .432/.349/.822. The 23-year-old wing was already under contract for roughly $2.67M this season — now his $4,826,931 salary for next season is locked in as well.

The Nuggets traded up in the 2024 draft to land Holmes with the 22nd overall pick,  but the former Dayton forward missed his entire rookie season after tearing his right Achilles in his Summer League debut. He has made a full recovery from that injury and should be available when Denver’s season tips off on Thursday. After earning about $3.22M this season, the 23-year-old will make $3,372,120 in 2026-27 on his newly exercised option.

Strawther’s option is for the fourth year of his rookie contract, so he’ll become eligible for a rookie scale extension next summer. The Nuggets will have to make one more decision on Holmes’ rookie deal next fall — his fourth-year option for ’27-28 is worth about $5.55M.