The Denver Nuggets have declined their $5.55 million team option on DaRon Holmes II for the 2027-28 season, making the forward eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Scotto reported the decision on Tuesday, November 3, citing league sources. Holmes, 24, was selected 22nd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft and is in the third year of a four-year, $15.2 million rookie contract.
Holmes has appeared in only two games for Denver during the 2026-27 season, averaging 1.5 points, 0.5 rebounds and 1.0 assist in three minutes per game. He is shooting 33.3% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range.
The forward also had a limited NBA role during his first season, appearing in 25 games in 2025-26 and averaging 3.7 points and 1.4 rebounds in 8.4 minutes. He shot 50.8% from the field and 44.4% from beyond the arc.
Holmes spent much of that season with the Grand Rapids Gold in the G League, where he averaged 20.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 22 appearances, playing 36 minutes per game.
Before entering the NBA, Holmes played three seasons at Dayton. He averaged 20.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 32 games during his final college season in 2023-24, shooting 40.2% from three-point range.
The Nuggets are 3-3 through six games of the 2026-27 season. By declining the option, Denver will not retain Holmes under the final year of his rookie-scale contract for 2027-28.
