KJ Simpson is off the Denver Nuggets' roster as of the official roster dated Wednesday, Sept. 30. No transaction report had flagged the move in advance.
The move
KJ Simpson, a 24-year-old guard with two seasons of experience, is no longer on the Denver Nuggets' roster, according to the official roster dated Wednesday, Sept. 30. No report preceded the move; none is logged. The Nuggets now carry 21 players against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots. Simpson had been with Denver through last season before coming off the roster this week.
The money
Simpson's contract status is not on file yet; public salary data can lag a signing or departure by a day. The Nuggets' payroll for 2026-27 stands at $221.1 million across 14 contracts, over the first apron. The salary cap is set at $165.0 million, the tax line at $200.4 million, the first apron at $209.0 million and the second apron at $221.7 million.
The fit
Last season, Simpson averaged 12.9 minutes, 4.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists across 20 games for Denver. The Nuggets' rotation last season was led by Jamal Murray (35.4 minutes, 25.4 points) and Nikola Jokic (34.8 minutes, 27.7 points), with Christian Braun, Cameron Johnson, Peyton Watson, Aaron Gordon, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown also in regular minutes. Denver's roster now counts 21 players.
Why is KJ Simpson off the roster?
The move was detected from the Nuggets' official roster dated Wednesday, Sept. 30. No transaction report preceded it; none is logged.
What is his contract situation?
His contract is not on file yet. Public salary data can lag a signing or departure by a day.
How did he play last season?
In 2025-26, Simpson averaged 12.9 minutes, 4.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists across 20 games.
Where do the Nuggets stand against the cap?
Denver's payroll is $221.1 million across 14 contracts for 2026-27, over the first apron, with the cap at $165.0 million, the tax at $200.4 million, the first apron at $209.0 million and the second apron at $221.7 million.