The Denver Nuggets have officially signed rookie forward Bryce Hopkins to a two-way contract, securing their 49th overall selection from the 2026 NBA Draft ahead of the upcoming regular season.
According to reports confirmed by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype alongside Mark Bartelstein and Reggie Brown of PrioritySports, the former Providence and St. John’s standout has finally put pen to paper on the deal. The agreement ends a multi-week wait for the second-round pick following his selection in June.
Filling Out the Roster Before Tip-Off
With Hopkins and 35th overall pick Trevon Brazile both signed to rookie contracts, the Denver front office moves one step closer to completing its roster construction. The franchise enters the late summer with 14 players inked to traditional standard contracts, bolstered by recent moves including the acquisition of veteran forward DeMar DeRozan.
Before locking in Hopkins, Denver carried just one player on a two-way contract in K.J. Simpson. The new arrangement gives the team two active two-way slots filled, leaving one final two-way spot open alongside a remaining traditional roster opening.
College Production and Next Steps
During his collegiate career with the St. John’s Red Storm, Hopkins emerged as a two-time All-Big East selection. Last season, the versatile forward posted averages of 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per contest while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from beyond the arc.
While league analysts view Hopkins as an intriguing young prospect capable of contributing on both ends of the court, he is not projected to crack Michael Malone’s primary rotation immediately. To carve out regular minutes at the NBA level, front office projections suggest the rookie must demonstrate elite defensive versatility and consistent perimeter shooting.
Development Path Through Grand Rapids
Rather than occupying a sedentary spot at the end of the NBA bench, Hopkins is expected to log substantial playing time with Denver’s NBA G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold. The assignment aims to accelerate his development throughout the 2026-27 campaign.
Meanwhile, the Nuggets continue to evaluate options for their final two-way roster spot. Team management hopes to uncover a developmental diamond in the rough similar to previous success stories like Spencer Jones, who successfully transitioned from a two-way deal into a long-term standard contract.
The Nuggets will continue finalizing their training camp roster over the coming weeks as preparations ramp up for the regular season tip-off.
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