Alpha Diallo is heading to the NBA. The wing, named EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year, has reached an agreement with Denver Nuggets to sign a one-year deal worth $1.4 million, according to Shams Charania.
The move comes after a busy summer for Diallo. After standing out with AS Monaco, he had signed with Dubai Basketball, but maintained an NBA exit clause valid until July 15. Denver appeared before that date and the player decided to seize the opportunity.
Diallo comes off a strong 2025/26 season in the EuroLeague, averaging 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game, numbers that come with enormous defensive impact. His recognition as the competition's best defender explains the interest from several NBA teams.
For the Nuggets, it's a very interesting rotation signing. Diallo doesn't arrive to handle the ball much, but rather to bring physicality, defense, energy and the ability to match up with bigger wings. A useful profile for a team looking to keep competing at the top of the West.
At 29 years old, the former Providence and Monaco player will finally get his first NBA opportunity with a guaranteed contract.