The Denver Nuggets are entering the summer with limited financial flexibility…
Their foray into free agency will likely involve targeting players available for minimum contracts, who have historically provided value for the team.
For instance, Justin Holiday led the Nuggets in playoff +/- and shot 38% from three-point range, while DeAndre Jordan has been a reliable locker room presence.
Here’s a list of ten potential free agents:
Dario Saric
– Last season: 17.2 minutes, 8 points (37% from 3), 4.4 rebounds
– Saric began the season well with Golden State but eventually fell out of the rotation. He remains a capable shooter and offensive contributor, albeit not a defensive stalwart or top-tier rebounder.
Kris Dunn
– Last season: 18.9 minutes, 5.4 points (36.9% from 3), 3.8 assists
– Dunn offers size, defensive skills, and playmaking at the point guard position. Though not a primary scorer, he is a steady and reliable option for the second unit.
Mason Plumlee
– Last season: 14.7 minutes, 5.3 points (56.9% from the floor), 5.1 rebounds
– Known as the best backup center in the Jokic era, Plumlee may consider rejoining the Nuggets despite a potentially rocky previous stint.
Kyle Lowry
– Last season: 28.2 minutes, 8.1 points (39.2% from 3), 4.2 assists
– If Lowry accepts a minimum contract, he would have multiple suitors. His extensive playoff experience and steady presence would benefit Denver’s backcourt.
Aaron Holiday
– Last season: 16.3 minutes, 6.6 points (38.7% from 3), 1.8 assists
– Holiday, the younger brother of Justin Holiday, is durable and solid. However, his size might not fit the typical player profile Denver targets.
Marcus Morris Sr.
– Last season: 16.4 minutes, 6.4 points (40.3% from 3), 2.3 rebounds
– After a stint with Cleveland, Morris could play a role similar to Jeff Green’s in the playoffs, despite potential concerns due to his brother’s history with Jokic.
Lonnie Walker IV
– Last season: 17.4 minutes, 9.7 points (38.4% from 3), 2.2 rebounds
– Walker might command more than the minimum but could add scoring punch off the bench, especially if Kentavious Caldwell-Pope departs.
Daniel Theis
– Last season: 16.9 minutes, 6.3 points (36.6% from 3), 4.1 rebounds
– Theis, although undersized for a backup center, could still contribute. However, his similarities to Vlatko Cancar may make him redundant.
Spencer Dinwiddie
– Last season: 28.3 minutes, 10.5 points (33.7% from 3), 4.7 assists
– Dinwiddie, likely to re-sign with the Lakers, remains a competent rotation player who could fill the point guard role.
Patrick Beverley
– Last season: 20.9 minutes, 6 points (36.1% from 3), 2.6 assists
– Despite facing a suspension and being a potentially polarizing figure, Beverley could provide defense and toughness, though his fit with Jokic might be questionable.
Potentially too expensive:
– Andre Drummond, Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Delon Wright, Kelly Oubre Jr.
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