The Denver Nuggets have confirmed they are picking up next season’s team options for Julian Strawther and DaRon Holmes, per Katy Winge, securing both young players for the near future.
Strawther, 23, is entering the third year of his four-year, $14.5 million rookie scale contract. The Nuggets’ decision gives the fourth-year option on his deal, keeping the wing player under team control through the 2026–27 season.
Over the past two seasons, Strawther has steadily increased his role, averaging 9.0 points and 2.2 rebounds in 21.3 minutes per game in 2024–25, up from 4.5 points in 10.9 minutes in his rookie campaign. His improved shooting efficiency, particularly from three-point range at 34.9%, has made him a reliable rotational option for Denver.
Holmes, also 23, is in the second year of his four-year, $15.2 million rookie scale contract, with the Nuggets picking up the third-year option on his deal. Selected 22nd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, Holmes was traded to Denver on draft night.
Holmes missed the entirety of his rookie season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in his Summer League debut. Despite the setback, the Nuggets are confident in his potential, citing his collegiate production at Dayton, where he averaged 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game in his final season.
