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Nuggets Sign Second‑Round Pick Bryce Hopkins to Two‑Way Contract

Hopkins will begin his pro development with the Grand Rapids Gold under a two‑way salary that makes him eligible for up to 50 NBA games.

Overview

  • The Denver Nuggets signed 49th overall pick Bryce Hopkins to a two‑way contract on Wednesday, finalizing one of their 2026 draft signings.
  • The deal ties Hopkins to the Grand Rapids Gold and pays roughly $678,882, which represents about half the NBA rookie minimum for a player with zero years of service.
  • Hopkins averaged 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds for St. John's in 2025‑26 and showed up at the G League combine before posting about 18 points and 6.5 rebounds across four Summer League games, moves that helped secure his draft selection.
  • Recovering from an ACL tear suffered in January 2024, Hopkins is viewed as a developmental frontcourt prospect who will likely begin the season in the G League while trying to earn limited NBA minutes.
  • Denver's current roster has 14 players on standard contracts and constrained two‑way slots, so Hopkins' signing changes the team's two‑way composition and raises the likelihood of further roster moves before the regular season.