Former Dallas player on trial with Denver: a smart gamble to strengthen the Nuggets’ bench
Dec 23, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Kessler Edwards (20) comes in for Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
The Denver Nuggets continue to strengthen their roster this summer with the arrival of Kessler Edwards. According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, the 25-year-old forward leaves the Dallas Mavericks to join Colorado on an Exhibit 10 contract, confirmed by Vinny Benedetto of The Gazette.
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. pic.twitter.com/4OTaLBY01n
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 12, 2025
A promising 3-and-D profile for the Nuggets’ bench
Edwards (6’7″, 6’11 » wingspan) arrives in Denver with encouraging stats from his last season in Dallas. In 40 games, he averaged 4.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. His remarkable 40.7% shooting from 3-point range makes him an attractive option for the Nuggets’ bench.
The Exhibit 10 contract is essentially a training camp invitation that could turn into a minimum salary contract if Denver decides to keep him for the regular season. This arrangement allows the Nuggets to thoroughly evaluate the forward, who has the wingspan and intensity needed to be a good defender, even if he sometimes gets lost tactically.
A backup solution in a rebuilding sector
This signing fits into the Nuggets’ strategy of strengthening their bench, considered the most solid in years. With Spencer Jones on a two-way contract and Hunter Tyson in his last contract year, Denver is carefully examining the backup defensive wing and floor spacer position.
Edwards, selected 44th in the 2021 NBA Draft, has already played for the Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings, and Dallas Mavericks. He stood out during Dallas’s mid-season chaos, providing good minutes even when thrust into a starting role in February and March. His 3-point shot, though unorthodox, remains repeatable and effective.
This signing completes a busy summer for Denver, who also added Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas to their roster, while parting ways with Michael Porter Jr. and Dario Saric. In a few weeks, training camp will reveal if Edwards can establish himself long-term and help the Nuggets in their title quest.
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