Denver Nuggets Sign Guard KJ Simpson To A Two-Way Contract

The 23-year-old has played in 14 games this season for the Charlotte Hornets.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Denver Nuggets have signed guard KJ Simpson to a two-way contract, the team announced today. Simpson, 23, has played in 50 career games over two seasons with the Charlotte Hornets, averaging 7.3 points, 2.9 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. He was drafted by the Hornets with the 42nd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft after a successful college career at the University of Colorado.

Why it matters

Two-way contracts allow NBA teams to have additional roster flexibility, enabling them to develop young talent and have extra depth on the roster. Simpson's signing provides the Nuggets with backcourt depth and an opportunity to evaluate him at the NBA level.

The details

Simpson, a 6-2, 189-pound guard, has appeared in 14 games this season for the Hornets, averaging 6.0 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game. During his three-year college career at Colorado, he averaged 14.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists while shooting 42.9% from the field.

  • Simpson was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets with the 42nd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
  • He has played in 50 career games over two seasons with the Hornets.
  • Simpson has appeared in 14 games this season for the Hornets, averaging 6.0 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds in 15.9 minutes per game.

The players

KJ Simpson

A 23-year-old guard who was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2024 and has played in 50 career NBA games over the past two seasons.

Ben Tenzer

The Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Denver Nuggets.

Jonathan Wallace

The Executive Vice President of Player Personnel for the Denver Nuggets.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to add KJ to our roster and provide him with an opportunity to develop at the NBA level.”

— Ben Tenzer, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations (nba.com)

“KJ is a talented young guard who has shown promise in his time with the Hornets. We look forward to working with him and helping him reach his full potential.”

— Jonathan Wallace, Executive Vice President of Player Personnel (nba.com)

What’s next

The Nuggets will look to develop Simpson on their two-way contract, providing him with opportunities to play in both the NBA and G League this season.

The takeaway

The Nuggets have added depth to their backcourt by signing the 23-year-old Simpson to a two-way deal, giving the young guard a chance to prove himself at the NBA level and potentially earn a full-time roster spot in the future.