After an extended wait of no activity from the Denver Nuggets in this year’s free agency period, the team has finally made its first new signing.

That signing just so happens to be the No. 2 pick from the 2018 NBA Draft, Marvin Bagley III.

According to ESPN‘s Shams Charania, the Nuggets and Bagley have agreed to a one-year, veteran minimum deal for the 2026-27 season, effectively providing some solid depth in the frontcourt.

With Denver’s first free agency signing now officially in the books, here’s what the move to bring in Bagley might mean for the Nuggets moving forward into free agency and this offseason, as well as entering next season.

Marvin Bagley Brings Frontcourt Depth to Denver’s Lineup

Bagley split his time between the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks this past season to put together one of his better years of production in recent memory.

In the 60 combined games he played, Watson averaged 10.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting a career-high 61.8% from the field and 46.2% from three on a little less than one attempt per game.

Bagley’s a big who’s game centers more around his offensive skillset. He spent most of his time shooting last season at the rim or in the mid-range, shooting a stout 64.1% on two-pointers last season that can bring a bit of an interior presence into Denver’s frontcourt.

Defensively, he leaves a little bit more to be desired. And he’s still not quite the most impressive three-point shooter, even coming off his most efficient season from deep.

But for the cost of a veteran minimum contract, he acts as a nice budget-friendly addition who can shoulder some of the load offensively, and has shown value as an offensive rebounder as well. It’s tough to find much better for the price Denver’s paying.

While entering the league slotted in primarily as a power forward, it’s been in the past few seasons that Bagley’s settled in more as a full-time five; having spent 95% of his minutes during the 2025-26 campaign playing at the five.

That might give you a bit of a hint as to how the Nuggets plan to use him this next season, though they might also have some stretches where he’s placed alongside Nikola Jokic at the four for a bit of a larger frontcourt lineup.

The Writing’s On the Wall for Jonas Valanciunas

Looking at what Bagley’s addition might mean for the Nuggets’ current roster, no one in the picture gets more impacted by Jonas Valanciunas.

Valanciunas was Denver’s primary backup behind Jokic at the five last season following his trade from the Sacramento Kings, and entered this offseason with an uncertain future because of his contract situation.

The veteran big man has an expiring $10 million contract heading into the 2026-27 season, but one that’s not fully guaranteed, giving the Nuggets the opportunity to release him and save $8 million, while incurring a dead cap hit of $2 million that can be stretched over multiple years.

Such a move can give the Nuggets further cap flexibility that they’ll need this offseason to re-sign key pieces like Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones, which to this point haven’t been done, but becomes a bit easier now that Denver can take that next step in pivoting off of Valanciunas.

Perhaps Denver might also look deeper into a trade involving Zeke Nnaji, now that they’ve got a cheaper option in Bagley that might even sit ahead of him on the initial depth chart. However, it remains to be seen if the Nuggets have any takers on the two years remaining on his contract. To this point, they haven’t found anyone to bite.

When factoring in Valanciunas and Nnaji though, Bagley’s addition now brings the Nuggets to a total of 10 players signed onto traditional contracts for the 2026-27 season.

That leaves them with four open spots left to utilize in the days and weeks ahead. How they decide to use that space remains to be seen, but at the very least, the Nuggets’ long-awaited first offseason signing has now officially come to light.

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The King and the Joker together?

Is it possible that LeBron James could join the Denver Nuggets?

The 41-year-old James plans to play in 2026-27 for his 24th NBA season, but he’s informed the Lakers it will be with another team.

It seems like the Nuggets may be at least somewhat interested in pairing James with star Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets have reached out to James, the Denver Post reported on July 1.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN said he has “long believed” the Nuggets could be an “outlier” team in part because of James’ admiration for Jokic.

The Nuggets recruited James when he was a free agent in 2018 before he signed with the Lakers.

LeBron James next team betting odds

Where do the sports books think James is going? Sports betting company DraftKings Sports does not have the Nuggets high on the list.

July 4th Food Deals

This July 4th marks America’s 250th birthday! And there are lots of $2.50 deals across the Mile High City. On July 4, Good Times offers a menu of sweet treats for $2.50 each, including frozen custard, fried ice cream and more. Through July 12, Sonic is serving its America $2.50 Menu with cheeseburgers, hot dogs, onion rings and more. Dairy Queen has its Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float for $2.50 – through July 5. And, from July 3 to 5, Carl’s Jr. is cooking up a double cheeseburger for $2.50. Not to be left out, Krispy Kreme is giving any customer who comes into a store on the 4th wearing red, white and blue a totally free Original Glazed Doughnut. For more information and additional deals, check out milehighonthecheap.com/ free-cheap-things-4th-july-denver.

Colorado Renaissance Festival – Children’s Weekend / Military Appreciation Weekend

Hear ye! Hear ye! Merriment (on a budget) awaits. The 49th annual Colorado Renaissance Festival (650 W. Perry Park Ave.) in Larkspur is back for adventure and family fun on weekends this summer. There’s plenty for families to do and see, including entertainment, an Artisan’s Marketplace and themed weekends. And, on July 4 and 5, kids (12 and under) get in for free with the purchase of an adult ticket. It’s also Military Appreciation Weekend, with all active military and veterans getting a buy-one-get-one-free ticket. The offers are only available at the box office on-site. If you’re going without children for the holiday weekend, find discounted tickets at King Soopers. The festival runs on weekends through Aug. 2. coloradorenaissance.com

Colorado Black Arts Festival

It’s the 40th year for the Colorado Black Arts Festival at the West End of Denver’s City Park – from July 10 to 12. Multiple stages will showcase local and regional talent performing jazz, blues, soul, hip-hop, dance and gospel. In addition, festival-goers will find a wide variety of artwork for sale, as well as food, games and services. The Watu Sakoni (People’s Marketplace) is the place for unique gifts, crafts, woodcarvings, clothing, jewelry, oils, incense, music and books. Plus, a Children’s Pavilion will offer the younger set lots of hands-on fun with various activities and games. And the Food Court serves up affordable fare from the American South, the African continent and the Caribbean. The festival is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. colbaf.org

Erie Hot Air Balloon Festival

Look up! It’s worth getting up early for the colorful hot air balloon launch that highlights the annual Erie Hot Air Balloon Festival — from July 10 to 12. The balloons take off at 6 a.m. each morning (weather permitting) in the open field across from Erie High School, on the northwest corner of County Road 5 and Colliers Pkwy. Arrival is recommended around 5:30 a.m. New for 2026, there will be a fleet of special-shape balloons floating in the sky, including characters, creatures and colossal creations. If you’re not an early bird, there is also a Night Glow on July 11 at 8 p.m. in the same field – an opportunity to see the balloons lit up after sunset. Attendees will also enjoy food trucks, music and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, tethered balloon rides will also be available for $20 per person. erieballoonfestival.com

Cow Appreciation Day

Admittedly, some people will do anything to score free food! And, to celebrate its 80th anniversary, Chick-fil-A is bringing back one of its most popular giveaways — Cow Appreciation Day. On July 14, “moo” into any Chick-fil-A dressed as a cow (Longhorn, Dairy, Hereford…your choice!) and enjoy a free breakfast, lunch or dinner entrée from a select menu – from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Even better, children (12 and under) get a free original or grilled nuggets (5-ct.) kids’ meal with a drink, side and premium. The giveaway is only valid for customers who are physically present in the restaurant. Claim the freebie via dine-in, carry-out or drive-thru. Limit one entrée per person. chick-fil-a.com

Lavender Festival

Lavender is in the air! Back in 2015, a Lavender Garden was planted at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms (8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd.) in Littleton. Now that the more than 2,000 plants have come into bloom, the Denver Botanic Gardens is hosting a Lavender Festival on July 18 and 19 — from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The beautiful purple blooms create the perfect backdrop for a day devoted to “all-things lavender”. Admission includes guided garden tours, a scavenger hunt, entertainment by local Colorado bands, barrel train rides, lawn games, kids craft area and more. Also, a variety of food and drink vendors will be available for sale, as well as lavender products made by local growers and artisans. Entry also includes exploration of Chatfield Farms and the gardens. Admission is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $9 for children ages 3 to 15. Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific entry time. No on-site ticket sales. botanicgardens.org/events/public-events/lavender-festival

Summerfest Arts + Music Festival

It’s a festival of arts, crafts, music and more in Evergreen at Summerfest Arts + Music Festival with more than 100 artists from across the country on hand at Buchanan Park (32003 Ellingwood Trail) on July 18 and 19. Enjoy live music and entertainment, kids’ craft activities and shopping the multitude of artists’ booths. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults at the gate, with children 10 and under getting in for free. No pets, please. Shuttle parking is free at Evergreen Middle School and U.S. Bank. Plus, the RTD and Castle Court lots are within easy walking distance to the park. evergreenarts.org/summerfest

Tennyson Street Fair

Block off the weekend for summer fun! The Tennyson Street Fair is a two-day affair, set for July 17 and 18. The fair runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. The neighborhood block party extends multiple blocks on Tennyson from West 41st Ave. to West 43rd Ave. and brings local businesses out into the street for a festive atmosphere. Shop from more than 200 artisans and local shops at the fair’s marketplace, selling handcrafted jewelry, rugs, spices, art, candles, skincare and more. And enjoy eats and treats from more than 15 local food trucks and pop-ups. Plus, imbibe on Tennyson-brewed craft beers and libations – while listening to Denver’s Wax Trax spinning records all day, as well as live music. Kids enjoy a free bounce house. tennysonstreetfair.com

Arapahoe County Fair

It’s time for the 2026 Arapahoe County Fair, with four days of family fun from July 23 to 26. The fair takes place at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds (25690 Quincy Ave.) in Aurora. Fairgoers will find their entertainment dollar goes a long way because gate admission includes unlimited carnival rides and all main stage performances, rodeos, 4-H livestock shows, public competitions, mutton bustin’ and more. (Only midway arcade games and food cost extra.) See critters of all types in the livestock pavilion. And be sure to check out the Comedy Wild West Show, BMX Showcase, silent disco, Globe of Death circus act, axe throwing, Top Hogs and much more. Plus, weather permitting, a drone show is planned for Friday and Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. Single-day general admission tickets are $30 for adults. Kids under 36 inches get in for free. arapahoecountyfair.com

Buffalo Wild Days

The annual Buffalo Bill Days festival brings rootin’ tootin’ Wild West fun to Golden – from July 24 to 26. The weekend includes western-style entertainment, Best of the West Parade, arts and crafts festival, children’s activities and live concerts by local bands filling Golden’s downtown streets. Admission is free. The festival officially opens at 5 p.m. on Friday in Parfet Park (710 Tenth St.) with a performance by Jeff Goodwin and Band, followed by Hillbilly Demons at 7 p.m. Red Rock Vixens headlines Saturday night at 7 p.m. The Long Run wraps things up on Sunday starting at 2 p.m. This year’s Best of the West Parade steps off on Saturday at 10 a.m. at 9th & Washington. The hour-long parade boasts more than 70 horses, plus collectible cars, floats, fire and emergency vehicles and several local performing groups. Park for free at the Jefferson County Human Services building, (900 Jefferson County Pkwy.) and hop on the complimentary shuttle right to the entrance of the event. goldenbuffalobilldays.com

Cheesman Park Arts Fest