The Denver Nuggets are facing financial constraints this summer, limiting their ability to sign high-profile free agents. Instead, they are likely to focus on minimum contract players, a strategy that has paid off in the past.
For instance, Justin Holiday, who led the team in playoff +/- last year while shooting 38% from beyond the arc, and DeAndre Jordan, a respected figure in the locker room, have been valuable additions. While many free agents may sign minimum contracts, some could attract larger offers. Let the offseason games begin!
Dario Saric
Here are the statistics from last season: averaging 17.2 minutes per game, scoring 8 points (shooting 37% from 3-point range), grabbing 4.4 rebounds, and being considered a rotation-worthy player.
Saric had a strong start with Golden State last season but experienced a decline as the season progressed, eventually losing his spot in the rotation. Despite this, he performed well, especially against the Nuggets, showcasing his ability to shoot from beyond the arc and create offense independently. Looking ahead to next season, the Nuggets are in need of a different option for their backup center position. While Saric may not excel defensively or as a top-tier rebounder, he still brings value to the game with his offensive skills.
Kris Dunn
Last season, Dunn averaged 18.9 minutes, 5.4 points (with a 36.9% shooting accuracy from 3-point range), and 3.8 assists, making him a rotation-worthy player.
Dunn possesses good size for the point guard position and excels as a quality defender and playmaker. However, he lacks the offensive prowess the Nuggets seek in leading their second unit. This is why Reggie Jackson was considered for the role this season. Given Michael Malone’s strategy with the bench, having a point guard who can score effectively alongside Christian Braun and Peyton Watson would be ideal. Nevertheless, Dunn’s consistent performance and reliability make him deserving of serious consideration.
Mason Plumlee
Plumlee’s stats last season were impressive: averaging 14.7 minutes, 5.3 points (with a 56.9% shooting accuracy), and 5.1 rebounds, showing he’s of rotation caliber.
He’s considered the top backup center during Jokic’s era, although DeMarcus Cousins also performed well in Denver. While Plumlee may not have fully enjoyed his last year with the Nuggets, a reunion could be possible. Coach Malone would likely continue to prioritize playing him as a backup center. However, there’s speculation that he might choose to re-sign with the Clippers instead.
Kyle Lowry
Last season, he maintained averages of 28.2 minutes, 8.1 points (with a 39.2% success rate from 3-point range), and 4.2 assists, proving he’s of rotation caliber.
If Lowry agrees to a minimum contract, numerous teams like the 76ers and Clippers, along with other playoff contenders, will vie for him. Having recently played 30 minutes per game in the playoffs for Philadelphia, he’s still capable of handling substantial playing time. His experience would bring stability to the Nuggets’ backcourt and second unit. However, it’s likely he’ll return to Philadelphia.
Aaron Holiday
Last season, he maintained averages of 16.3 minutes, 6.6 points (with a 38.7% accuracy from 3-point range), and 1.8 assists, indicating he’s of rotation caliber.
Holiday may emerge as one of the top point guards available for a minimum contract this summer. Notably, he’s the younger sibling of current Nugget and free agent Justin Holiday. Aaron Holiday’s style isn’t flashy but rather reliable. He’s also durable, having played in 78 games for the Rockets last season. However, he doesn’t quite fit the profile of the larger-sized rotation players that Calvin Booth typically pursues.
Marcus Morris Sr.
Last season, he averaged 16.4 minutes, 6.4 points (with a 40.3% shooting accuracy from 3-point range), 2.3 rebounds, showcasing rotation-worthy skills.
This season, Morris joined Cleveland after a buyout and surprisingly earned a spot in the Cavs’ playoff rotation. During the playoffs, he played an average of 15 minutes per game and maintained a 39% accuracy from 3-point range. Despite his potential as a non-starter, his connection with Nikola Jokic through his brother’s history might limit his starting chances. While he may not sustain a full load of minutes in the regular season, he could play a significant role akin to Jeff Green’s during the playoffs.
Lonnie Walker IV
Last season, he averaged 17.4 minutes, 9.7 points (with a 38.4% shooting accuracy from 3-point range), and 2.2 rebounds, demonstrating his suitability for a rotational role.
It seems like Walker could command more than the minimum salary from Brooklyn, but he would bring energy to the Nuggets’ backcourt in Denver. If Kentavious Caldwell-Pope departs in free agency, the Nuggets will require additional scoring off the bench, especially if Christian Braun assumes a starting position. There’s a possibility that Walker could provide that scoring boost. If he performs well on a championship contender like the Nuggets for a season, Walker’s value could rise significantly, similar to Bruce Brown’s trajectory.
Daniel Theis
Last season, he averaged 16.9 minutes, 6.3 points (shooting 36.6% from 3-point range), and 4.1 rebounds, demonstrating his ability to contribute in a rotational role.
Theis, although somewhat undersized for a backup center, still has some playing ability. However, his similarity to Vlatko Cancar might make it challenging to justify giving him a roster spot, especially considering Cancar’s potentially superior skills.
Spencer Dinwiddie
Last season, he averaged 28.3 minutes, 10.5 points (with a 33.7% shooting accuracy from 3-point range), and 4.7 assists, showing his ability to contribute at a rotational level.
I anticipate that Dinwiddie will receive a contract offer from the Lakers this summer, following the typical trajectory after a player joins a team through the buyout market. However, he remains a candidate for a minimum contract and can effectively fill in as a competent rotation player at point guard.
Patrick Beverley
Last season, he averaged 20.9 minutes, 6 points (shooting 36.1% from 3-point range), and 2.6 assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute effectively at a rotational level.
When searching for players in the minimum-contract market, options can be limited. Beverley is currently facing a four-game suspension at the start of the next season and brings with him both off-court and on-court distractions. However, he showcased last season that he can still play solid defense and shoot from beyond the arc while being part of a playoff-caliber team. His addition would provide the Nuggets with added toughness, although there may be concerns about his potential to annoy Nikola Jokic if they were on the same roster.
Players like Andre Drummond, Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Delon Wright, and Kelly Oubre Jr. are likely too costly for the Nuggets to pursue.
