The Denver Nuggets made a quiet but intriguing move this week, signing former Dallas Mavericks forward Kessler Edwards to an Exhibit 10 deal. While these short-term contracts often serve as training camp invitations with a path to the G League, Edwards’ defensive pedigree and NBA experience raise the question: does he have a realistic chance to earn the final roster spot for the defending Western Conference contenders in 2025-26?
A Familiar Path for Edwards
Edwards, 24, is no stranger to carving out a role on the margins of NBA rosters. Drafted in 2021 by the Brooklyn Nets, the 6-foot-8 wing has since spent time with the Sacramento Kings and Mavericks, showcasing versatility as a defensive stopper and occasional spot-up shooter. While his offensive output has been limited (career averages of 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds per game), his length and instincts on the perimeter give him a niche value in today’s NBA.
The Exhibit 10 deal means Edwards is not guaranteed a place on the Nuggets’ 15-man roster. Instead, he will have the chance to compete in training camp and preseason, with Denver having the option to convert his deal into a two-way contract or funnel him to their G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold.
Where Could He Fit in Denver?
The Nuggets’ core is set. Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope anchor a roster built for contention. But Denver has questions at the end of the bench, especially on the wing, where depth behind Gordon and Porter has been inconsistent.
The departures of role players like Bruce Brown (in 2023) and Christian Braun’s transition to a larger role have created opportunities for defensive-minded wings. If Edwards can prove he’s reliable on corner threes and can guard multiple positions, he could fill the kind of utility role that coach Michael Malone values during a long season.
The Challenges Ahead
Earning the final roster spot won’t be easy. Denver has several young players and recent draft picks competing for minutes, including Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson, both of whom are ahead of Edwards developmentally in the Nuggets’ plans. Additionally, the Nuggets may choose to leave a roster spot open for veteran flexibility later in the season.
For Edwards, the key will be proving that his defensive consistency can outweigh his offensive limitations. If he shows improved shooting efficiency and the ability to fit seamlessly within Denver’s ball-movement-heavy offense, he could turn a training camp opportunity into a real roster spot.
Outlook
Kessler Edwards faces long odds, but not impossible ones. His skill set—defense, length, and energy—aligns with the Nuggets’ needs at the back end of the rotation. More likely, Denver sees him as an insurance piece who could develop further in Grand Rapids. But if he has a strong camp and shows growth as a shooter, Edwards may force Malone and the front office to make a difficult decision.
The Exhibit 10 deal may just be a camp invite on paper, but for Edwards, it represents a chance to write the next chapter of his NBA journey—and possibly claim a role on one of the league’s best rosters.
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