Ryan Nembhard is now on the Denver Nuggets roster, per the official roster as of Wednesday, Sep 30. He joins from free agency after a Tuesday, Sep 22 report from hoopsrumors said he was likely to be waived by the Hornets.
The move
Ryan Nembhard, a 23-year-old guard with one season of NBA experience, is now on the Denver Nuggets roster, per the official roster as of Wednesday, Sep 30. He joins from free agency, having held no prior roster spot. The move comes after a Tuesday, Sep 22 report from hoopsrumors that said he was likely to be waived by the Hornets; the report's confidence level is not announced.
The money
Nembhard's deal for 2026-27 is on file at $2.2M, with no additional years listed. Denver's payroll for 2026-27 totals $221.1M across 14 contracts, putting the club over the first apron. The salary cap is set at $165.0M, the tax line at $200.4M, the first apron at $209.0M, and the second apron at $221.7M. His contract accounts for a small share of that total.
The fit
Last season, Nembhard appeared in 60 games, averaging 19.5 minutes, 6.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. He joins a Denver backcourt where Jamal Murray led guards in minutes at 35.4 per game and 25.4 points, with Christian Braun at 31.8 minutes and 12.0 points, and Bruce Brown at 24.4 minutes and 7.9 points off the bench. The Nuggets now carry 21 players on the roster, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.
What is Ryan Nembhard's contract for 2026-27?
He is on file for $2.2M in 2026-27, with no additional years listed.
Why was Nembhard available?
A Tuesday, Sep 22 report from hoopsrumors said he was likely to be waived by the Hornets; the report's confidence level is not announced.
How does this affect Denver's roster size?
The Nuggets now carry 21 players on the roster, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.