Report: Potential Free Agent Target Suddenly Catches Nuggets’ Interest…
Gordon Hayward has faced challenges recently, but his free agency could bring a promising opportunity. As the 13-year NBA veteran prepares for free agency, the Denver Nuggets appear interested in offering him a more prominent role than he had with the Oklahoma City Thunder. According to Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports, some within the Nuggets organization are keen on Hayward.
Gordon Hayward Attracts Interest from Nuggets
Although injuries have diminished Hayward’s peak athleticism, making him no longer an All-Star, he remains a skilled and versatile forward, averaging 15.4 points per game over the past five seasons. If signed, he could potentially replace Reggie Jackson as the sixth man.
Contract Decisions Loom for Denver
Reggie Jackson has a $5.3 million player option for next season, which he might decline in favor of a longer contract. Jackson has enjoyed his time in Denver, but like many athletes, he values job security. His return to the Nuggets is uncertain. If he stays, Denver might consider starting him, given his solid performance last season, where he averaged 15.4 points and 5.3 assists per game with impressive shooting splits in 23 starts.
The Nuggets might also face the loss of sharpshooter Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency. Caldwell-Pope has a $15.4 million player option for the 2024-25 season. Given the relatively weak free agent class, he could attract significant offers from teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic, or Oklahoma City Thunder. If he leaves, Denver might shift Jamal Murray to shooting guard.
Strategic Adjustments for the Nuggets
Denver could see Christian Braun as a potential successor at the two-guard spot, but a backcourt featuring Jackson and Murray might be more skilled. The same applies if Peyton Watson replaces Caldwell-Pope. Murray, a solid and perhaps underrated defender, could effectively guard the opponent’s top wing player.
Enhancing Offensive Versatility
The Nuggets have struggled with offensive consistency, ranking 14th and 12th in points per game over the past two seasons, respectively. Their offense has often been predictable, heavily relying on the Murray-Jokic pick-and-roll. A starting lineup of Jackson, Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Nikola Jokic could add more firepower and dynamism.
Incorporating Hayward could mirror the Boston Celtics’ strategy, who diversified their offense by adding Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and empowering Derrick White. As a result, the Celtics led the NBA with a 64-18 record in 2023-24. Hayward’s experience, shooting, and playmaking could provide a similar boost for the Nuggets, making their offense more versatile and less predictable.
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