Alpha Diallo is finally getting his NBA opportunity. The Monaco forward has agreed to a one-year contract with the Denver Nuggets worth $1.4 million, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
The move comes as a surprise after Diallo was heavily linked with a potential transfer to Dubai this summer. However, those plans have now changed, as the 29-year-old will leave European basketball behind and make his long-awaited NBA debut.
Alpha Diallo earns first NBA opportunity after European rise
Diallo’s journey to the NBA has been anything but conventional. He played college basketball at Providence from 2016 to 2020 before declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft, where he went undrafted.
Following his college career, Diallo decided to continue his development in Europe. He joined Lavrio for the 2020/21 season, where he quickly attracted attention with his performances before earning a move to Monaco.
That transfer proved to be a turning point in his career, as Diallo spent the next five seasons with the French club and became one of the most important pieces of Monaco’s rise among the European basketball elite.
EuroLeague Defender of the Year Alpha Diallo has agreed to a one-year, $1.4 million deal to sign with the Denver Nuggets, agents Jared Mucha and Javon Phillips of Excel Sports Management tell ESPN. The former Providence standout and Euro star makes the NBA jump at 29 years old on… pic.twitter.com/aaN5t7AIFi
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 12, 2026
Alpha Diallo leaves Monaco after five successful seasons
Diallo’s departure marks the end of a successful four-year spell with Monaco, where he developed into one of the most reliable two-way players in European basketball. His move to the NBA had been expected for some time, with the forward now taking the next step in his career after establishing himself as a proven EuroLeague performer.
During his time with Monaco, Diallo became an important part of the club’s rise, helping the team compete at the highest level in European basketball and making multiple deep EuroLeague runs. His defensive versatility, athleticism, and ability to impact the game without needing a high usage role made him one of the most valuable pieces of the roster.
From undrafted prospect to NBA player
Diallo’s move to Denver represents the latest chapter in an impressive basketball journey. After going undrafted in 2020, he developed into a proven EuroLeague player and one of Monaco’s most valuable contributors.
Now, at 29 years old, he will finally get the chance to compete in the NBA and prove that his European success can translate to the highest level of basketball.
The Nuggets are adding an experienced wing player who brings defensive toughness, versatility, and valuable international experience – qualities that could help him earn a role in Denver’s rotation.
