The Denver Nuggets are reportedly evaluating a move for Alpha Diallo, the 6’7” forward who just captured the EuroLeague Best Defender award with AS Monaco.
According to BasketNews reporter Donatas Urbonas, Diallo’s freshly signed contract with Dubai Basketball for the 2026/27 campaign carries an NBA opt-out clause that expires on July 15. League sources told Urbonas the Nuggets have “strong” interest in activating that clause before the deadline.
Diallo, 29, twice earned second-team All-Big East honors at Providence but went undrafted in 2020. Over five seasons in Monaco, he built a reputation as one of Europe’s top perimeter stoppers. In 42 EuroLeague games last season, he averaged 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals while logging 27.9 minutes per night. His 57 total steals led the competition, and he topped all forwards in points allowed per possession (0.844) as voted on by EuroLeague head coaches.
Denver currently has eight players under standard contracts and is finalizing minimum deals with Tyus Jones and Marvin Bagley III. The front office is also negotiating with restricted free agents Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones, both of whom share positional duties with Diallo. How those talks conclude could influence Denver’s pursuit of the EuroLeague standout.
Because the Nuggets are operating near the second tax apron, they are unlikely to offer more than a veteran minimum contract. Using even a fraction of the mid-level exception would trigger a hard cap at the second apron, limiting the team’s roster flexibility.
Source: Hoops Rumors
