Denver Nuggets: best offseason targets
Who are the best free agent targets for the Nugget?
The 2018-19 season was exciting for the Denver Nuggets, however, the Nuggets still need to make major changes in order to be in championship contention.
So what do the Nuggets need? Despite being a deep team during the regular season, the Nugget’s bench offered little production during the playoffs. Also, at times the Nuggets played like an elite defensive team, however, they struggled defensively throughout the playoffs. The Nuggets could definitely improve defensively.
The Denver Nuggets also need more veteran leadership on their team from players that have made deep playoff runs. This was something that Paul Millsap previously provided for the Nuggets.
Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving are obviously the best players available. However, landing one of these players is unlikely for the Denver Nuggets and it would put them substantially over the salary cap.
Here are some realistic players the Nuggets could land this summer to improve their chances of winning a championship
1.Julis Randle. Age: 24. 21.4 ppg, 8.7 rpg. Salary: $8,641,000
The Lakers made a mistake letting Julius Randle go in the 2018 offseason. Since Julius Randle has been playing for the Pelicans he has been playing like an All-Star. Since the Pelicans signed Zion Williamson, Julius Randle will likely be aviable on the market this summer. He would be the perfect player to replace Paul Millsap. He is not only younger than Millsap, but he is also much better defensively.
2. Tobias Harris. Age: 26. 20.0 ppg, 7.9 rpg. Salary: $14,800,000
Tobias Harris is one of the most underrated players in the NBA. He is not only a potent shooter, but can be a solid defender at times. Also at age 26, he could give the Nuggets a decade of useful playing time. He is a much cheaper and better player to replace Paul Millsap.
3. Nikola Mirotic. Age 28. 15.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg. Salary: $12,500,000
Nikola has been a great addition for the Bucks this year and has been key to them winning. He is not only capable of playing the PF and Center position, but he can shoot the lights out as well. He can help the Denver Nuggets improve defensively and make the Nuggets a better shooting team.
4. Bojan Bogdanovic. Age 30. 18.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg. Salary: $10,500,000
Bojan was a star for the Indiana Pacers when Victor Oladipo went down due to an injury. He is also a fantastic shooter. He can help the Denver Nuggets improve defensively and make the Nuggets a better shooting team. Bojan would also add veteran leadership to the Denver Nuggets as well.
5. Harrison Barnes. Age 26. 16.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg. Salary: $24,107,258
Harrison Barnes is a fantastic player that is a real threat to score from the three-point line. He can help make the Denver a better shooting team and add championship DNA to their roster. However, it would be costly to get him to sign with the Nuggets.
6. Patrick Beverley. Age 30. 7.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg. Salary: $5,027,028
Patrick Beverly is one of the best defenders in the NBA. He would also be a great mentor and backup point guard to Jamal Murray. He also performs well in the playoffs and would be great for helping the Nuggets keep leads in the playoffs. Patrick Bevelery is capable of guarding a player like Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, or CJ McCollum. If Patrick Beverly had been on the Nuggets roster in game 7 against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Nuggets would have most likely won.
7. Brook Lopez. Age: 31. 12.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg. Salary: $3,382,000
Brook Lopez has been dynamite for the Bucks this season. He can guard the paint on the defensive end of the court and is a potent shooter on the offensive end. He would be a great backup for Joker and could also function as a three point shooter when Nikola plays.
8. Jonas Valanciunas. Age: 27. 15.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg. Salary: $16,539,326
Jonas Valanciunas is an amazing player and has been good on every team he has played for in the NBA. He can post up and shoot the three point shot when necessary.He would make the perfect replacement for Mason Plumlee and he would perfect to pair with the Joker.
9. Rajon Rondo. Age: 33. 9.2 ppg, 8.0 apg. Salary: $9,000,000
Rondo is a clutch player during the playoffs and he would make a great backup point guard for Jamal Murray. Rondo was also one of the main reasons the Pelicans were able to sweep the Blazers in the 2018 playoffs. He is also a solid defender! Rondo has significant playoff experience that could help the Denver Nuggets make deep playoff runs. However, his age and health are a concern.
10. Reggie Bullock. Age: 28. 11.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg Salary: $2,500,000.
Reggie Bullock is a solid three-point shooter. If added to the Denver Nuggets, he would add great depth to their bench and would inexpensive to retain. However, he will likely be retained by the Lakers.