Denver Nuggets linked to EuroLeague star Alpha Diallo
The Denver Nuggets are showing strong interest in EuroLeague defender Alpha Diallo, according to BasketNews. The 29-year-old signed with Dubai Basketball but holds an NBA exit clause valid through July 15, 2026. Multiple teams are tracking him as Denver looks for low-cost wing depth around Nikola Jokic.
Key Takeaways
- Denver is among several NBA teams showing strong interest in Alpha Diallo, the 2025-26 EuroLeague Best Defensive Player.
- Diallo signed a multiyear deal with Dubai Basketball, but his contract includes an NBA opt-out clause active until July 15.
- The Nuggets may only be able to offer a minimum-salary contract because of their tight cap situation.
- No agreement has been reported; Denver's pursuit remains interest as free agency continues.
- Positional overlap with restricted free agents Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones could shape whether Denver moves forward.
Why Are the Denver Nuggets Linked to Alpha Diallo?
According to BasketNews sources reported by HoopsHype, the Denver Nuggets are targeting one of the EuroLeague's premier defenders. Interest from NBA clubs built throughout the season, with Diallo emerging as one of the league's top international targets.
Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews told outlets including Yahoo Sports that Denver is showing strong interest in the 6-foot-7 forward. Although Diallo committed to Dubai Basketball on a multi-year deal, his agreement includes an exit clause that allows him to leave for the NBA until July 15.
That defensive versatility aligns with what the Nuggets have emphasized around Nikola Jokic. Yahoo Sports noted Denver consistently values wings capable of guarding multiple positions, creating turnovers, and handling difficult assignments while the offense flows through the three-time MVP.
Who Is Alpha Diallo?
Alpha Diallo is a 29-year-old forward and former Providence standout who spent the past five seasons with AS Monaco. He went undrafted in 2020 and developed into one of Europe's top two-way players, winning the EuroLeague Best Defensive Player award this season after finishing third in voting a year earlier.
In 42 EuroLeague outings for Monaco in 2025-26, Diallo averaged 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.4 steals in 27.9 minutes per game. His 57 total steals ranked first in the league, and he also led all EuroLeague forwards in points allowed per possession at 0.844, per BasketNews.
He won domestic championships with Monaco in France's LNB Elite in 2023, 2024, and 2026, and helped lead the team to the EuroLeague Final Four in 2025. Synergy Sports graded him as excellent in multiple defensive categories, including overall defensive possessions and one-on-one defense.
What Happens Before the July 15 Deadline?
Diallo's NBA opt-out expires on July 15. If he chooses not to exercise that clause, he would remain with Dubai Basketball under his current contract. That means the Nuggets and any other interested NBA teams may have only a few days to determine whether a deal can be reached.
For now, Denver's reported interest remains just that: interest. No agreement has been reported, though Denver appears to be among the teams monitoring whether Diallo ultimately decides to make the jump. Fans tracking celebrity breaking news around the league will want to watch this window closely.
Could the Nuggets Afford to Sign Diallo?
Per Yardbarker, the Nuggets currently have only eight players on standard contracts. They have reportedly reached minimum-salary deals with Tyus Jones and Marvin Bagley III while continuing to negotiate with restricted free agents Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones.
Given their cap situation, Denver may not be in position to offer more than a minimum-salary contract to Diallo. Using any portion of the mid-level exception would hard-cap the team at the second tax apron. There is also positional overlap between Watson, Jones, and Diallo, so it is not clear whether Denver's potential interest would hinge on what happens with those RFAs.
Diallo is not viewed as a high-volume scorer, but his ability to defend, finish plays, and play within a system could make him an attractive depth addition. At 29, he arrives with years of high-level international experience rather than as a developmental prospect, making him a relatively low-risk option compared with many free-agent alternatives.