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Denver Nuggets: How Denver can build a super-team by 2020

By Kevin Oestreicher

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against Nikola Jokic #15 and Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter of the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves shoots the ball against Nikola Jokic #15 and Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter of the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2019 Off season Targets for the Nuggets

The 2019 free-agency class doesn’t hold a lot of superstar power. Klay Thompson is the one pure superstar in the class, assuming LeBron James and Paul George sign long-term deals during the 2018 off season. Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Jimmy Butler hold player options, but are expected to sign elsewhere or accept their option. Players such as Karl-Anthony Towns, Devin Booker, and Kristaps Porzingis will be restricted free agents, almost certainly meaning their respective teams will match any offer they receive.

Other notable free agents other than Thompson include Carmelo Anthony, Kemba Walker, and Tobias Harris. Walker could fill the starting point guard position while moving Jamal Murray to the backup position. However, Murray has been improving substantially and has star potential. Anthony and Harris could fulfill the starting small forward spot, but with Michael Porter Jr, the need for a small forward has lessened. These players also aren’t considered the best of the best, outside of Thompson. If the Nuggets want to build a super-team full of all-stars, they should target two of the 25 best players in the league.

The 2019 off season will be a time where a lot of money comes off the books for Denver. Kenneth Faried, Wilson Chandler, and Darrell Arthur will become free agents, freeing up $34.1 million dollars in cap space. Jamal Murray, Juan Hernangomez, and Malik Beasley all have team options that will almost definitely be picked up. Trey Lyles and Monte Morris will be restricted free agents, and it is expected that the team would re-sign Lyles to a 3 year deal worth around 27 million.

The big story will be the decision on Paul Millsap’s team option. Millsap, when healthy is one of the best defensive players in the NBA, while being sound offensively as well. However, he’ll be 34 by the time the 2019 off season comes. If the Nuggets decide to go in a different direction and decline his option, they should be prepared to go after a Kyrie Irving or Kawhi Leonard to take his place. If they aren’t prepared to do that, they should accept his team option and let him play out his contract.

2019 shouldn’t bring a lot of change for Denver. Their lineup should look similar to the season before. A few bench pieces such as Patrick Beverly or Marcus Morris could be added for depth, but a lineup of Murray, Harris, Porter Jr, Millsap, and Jokic would be deadly. The 2020 off season is where things become crazy.

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