Nuggets Decline Holmes's Rookie Scale Option
Denver will not exercise its $5.55 million team option on DaRon Holmes for the 2027-28 season, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
The Denver Nuggets declined their rookie scale team option on DaRon Holmes, worth $5.55 million for the 2027-28 season, according to league sources. Holmes, the 22nd pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, will become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
Why it matters
The decision signals the Nuggets are preparing to move forward without Holmes beyond the 2026-27 season unless they reach a new agreement in free agency. It ends a rookie arrangement that followed a draft-night trade from Phoenix.
Holmes played 25 games for Denver in 2025-26, averaging 8.4 minutes, 50.8% from the field and 44.4% on threes. The source does not indicate how the Nuggets will weigh that sample against his Dayton production in his next contract decision.
The players
DaRon Holmes
A forward who played collegiate basketball at Dayton before being drafted 22nd overall in 2024 and traded to Denver.
Denver Nuggets
An NBA franchise based in Denver that holds the rookie scale team option on Holmes and made the decision to decline it.
The details
League sources told HoopsHype that Denver declined the option, and Michael Scotto reported the decision on X. Holmes spent three seasons as a full-time starter at Dayton, averaging 17.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists over 102 games.
Timeline
2024 NBA Draft: Phoenix selected Holmes 22nd, and Denver later traded for his draft rights.
2025-2026 season: Holmes appeared in 25 games for the Nuggets after missing his rookie year to injury.
November 3, 2026: Denver declined the rookie scale team option.
2026-2027 season: Holmes is expected to remain with Denver before free agency.
2027: Holmes becomes an unrestricted free agent.
Roadmap
Teams that decline rookie scale options on injury-limited first-round picks typically trade the decision for a cheaper free-agent path. The Nuggets' move follows that pattern, leaving Holmes's market value to be tested in 2027.
Holmes's role in the rotation is limited for now, with 2.5 minutes per game in two appearances this season. Fantasy managers tracking him should note that his 2025-26 rebound numbers came from a short sample.
The takeaway
The option decision means Holmes's next contract will be set by free agency rather than by Denver's rookie scale terms. His production in the 2026-27 season will likely determine how much a new team is willing to pay.
Further reading
For more on how Denver's roster decisions are shaping the franchise, see Basketball coverage.
