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Denver Nuggets: Free agency update, day one

By Grayson Moore

Cleveland Cavaliers v Denver NuggetsDENVER, CO - MARCH 7: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 7, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 929060806
Cleveland Cavaliers v Denver NuggetsDENVER, CO - MARCH 7: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 7, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 929060806 /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during 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: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during 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) /

Free agency has officially started for the Denver Nuggets and the NBA.

Several stars and role players are officially off the market. Other players have officially been put on the market. So, after a busy and exhilarating night, let’s see how all of the moves made so far affect the Denver Nuggets.

(Note: All stats are via Basketball-Reference unless otherwise noted.)

Nuggets Re-signings

Will Barton

ESPN’s Chris Haynes reported around 1 a.m. last night that Will Barton had resigned with the Nuggets on a multi-year contract. Details came out that revealed the contract to be a 4 year, $54 million deal with a player option on the last year. He will make an average of $13.5 million a year, which will make him the 5th highest paid player on the roster in the 2018-19 season(should Kenneth Faried remain on the Nuggets).

Last October, Chris Haynes also reported that Barton turned down a 4 year, $42 million deal after his agent told him to “bet on himself”. It seems like Barton has won the bet, adding $12 million into the deal that he turned down. While this deal is less cap friendly for the Nuggets, Barton has certainly deserved it.

He had a career year in the 2017-18 season, averaging a career high in points per game(15.7), assists per game(4.1), field goal percentage(45.2%), and 3-point percentage(37.0%). Barton also ranked 2nd on the Nuggets in win shares and defensive win shares, 5th in defensive box plus/minus, and 3rd in steals. He has proved to be an above-average defender, scorer, and he provides a punch of energy and passion off the bench.