The Denver Nuggets have made an important addition to their frontcourt by signing former Dallas Mavericks forward Kessler Edwards, according to league sources. This move aims to enhance the team‘s depth and support Nikola Jokic as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
Edwards, who played for the Mavericks during the 2024-25 season on a two-way contract, demonstrated versatility by filling multiple roles, including small-ball center. He appeared in 40 games, starting 18, and averaged 4.2 points and 2.9 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 40.9% from beyond the arc.
Kessler Edwards’ Journey Through the NBA
Originally selected 44th overall in the 2021 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets, Edwards spent a season and a half with Brooklyn before a trade sent him to the Sacramento Kings. His move to Sacramento was part of a salary-related transaction involving the rights of David Michineau, who has never played in the NBA. After his contract concluded with the Kings, Edwards signed a two-way deal with Dallas.
During his time with the Mavericks, Edwards showed flashes of potential, notably scoring a career-high 22 points alongside 11 rebounds in a victory over the San Antonio Spurs on March 10. Despite his contributions, the Mavericks did not convert his two-way contract into a standard deal by the end of the season, opting instead for Brandon Williams, whose playmaking was critical while Kyrie Irving was sidelined.
Multiple Former Mavericks Added to Denver Nuggets’ Roster and Staff
The acquisition of Edwards continues a pattern for Denver this offseason, as they have welcomed several former Dallas Mavericks personnel. Alongside Edwards, the Nuggets signed Tim Hardaway Jr., another former Maverick who played for Dallas until last offseason. Hardaway was previously traded from the Mavericks to the Detroit Pistons in a deal involving Quentin Grimes and three second-round picks.
In addition to players, Denver’s coaching staff has also expanded with ex-Mavericks personnel. Jared Dudley was brought in from Dallas to serve as the Nuggets’ lead assistant coach, and JJ Barea, a member of the Mavericks’ 2011 NBA championship team, joined as an assistant coach. Meanwhile, Dallas hired Popeye Jones, who had been an assistant in Denver since 2021, continuing the exchange of coaching talent between the two organizations.
Kessler Edwards’ Performance Metrics and Role Expansion
Edwards exhibited strong efficiency during his time on the court, posting shooting splits of 49.6% from the field and 40.7% from three-point range. His adaptability allowed him to contribute in roles that were new to him, such as the small-ball center position, which he handled effectively amid several injuries within the Maverick frontcourt, including absences of Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, and Dereck Lively II.
Last season, Edwards maximized his opportunity, averaging 4.2 points per game in a role that demanded defensive versatility and spacing on offense. However, his minutes tapered off late in the season due to restrictions imposed by his two-way contract, which limited the number of games he could participate in.
Implications of Edwards’ Signing for Denver and Nikola Jokic
By adding Kessler Edwards, the Denver Nuggets aim to provide Nikola Jokic with a reliable, flexible frontcourt option capable of stretching the floor and contributing on defense. Edwards’ skill set complements the Nuggets’ playing style and offers them additional lineup configurations going into the new NBA campaign.
This signing also reflects the Nuggets’ strategic approach to acquiring players familiar with winning cultures and systems, as evidenced by the influx of former Mavericks players and coaches. Strengthening their roster depth around Jokic is critical as Denver seeks to maintain its competitive edge in a tough Western Conference.
“The Denver Nuggets and forward Kessler Edwards have agreed to a deal, league sources told @hoopshype. Edwards averaged 4.2 points on 49.6% shooting from the field and 40.7% from 3-point range in 40 games, including 18 starts, for the Dallas Mavericks last season.” —Michael Scotto, Basketball Insider