KJ Simpson expected to sign with Galatasaray after Nuggets release

Oct. 13, 2026 — Guard KJ Simpson, released by the Denver Nuggets at the start of training camp, is expected to sign with Turkish club Galatasaray, according to reports out of Turkey. The club has not yet confirmed the agreement, but a formal announcement is expected soon.

A short NBA run

Simpson was the 42nd overall pick in the 2024 draft. He spent roughly a season and a half with the Charlotte Hornets on a two-way contract before Charlotte waived him at the 2026 trade deadline. A couple of weeks later he signed a two-year, two-way deal with Denver.

That stint ended this fall, when the Nuggets needed to clear a two-way slot for newcomer Ryan Nembhard and let Simpson go near the opening of camp.

His NBA role was modest. In 56 games, including 17 starts, he averaged 6.7 points and 2.8 assists in 19.6 minutes, shooting 34.5% from the field, 26.5% from three and 76.5% at the line.

Stronger numbers in the G League

Simpson looked far more comfortable in the NBA’s developmental league. Across 30 games with the Greensboro Swarm and the Grand Rapids Gold, he put up 19.3 points, 5.3 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game on 45.5% shooting, including 39.0% from deep and 84.1% from the line.

He also made the All-Summer League team in 2025 as part of the Hornets group that won the Las Vegas title. Before turning pro, he was a two-time All-Pac-12 selection at Colorado.

What Galatasaray offers

If the deal is completed, Simpson will join an Istanbul team that plays in Turkey’s top domestic league and in FIBA’s Basketball Champions League. He would not be the only former NBA player on the roster: big man Chimezie Metu and 2018 lottery pick Jerome Robinson are also with the club.

For a 2024 second-rounder who has bounced between two-way deals, a steady role overseas could be a chance to play bigger minutes and rebuild his case for a return to the NBA.

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