The most recent roster moves by the Denver Nuggets have appeared to put the writing on the wall for Gary Harris.
The Denver Nuggets are often one of the first teams that come to mind when evaluating potential options for superstar players that may be changing teams. Denver’s deep roster and need of a third fiddle has made players like Gary Harris and Will Barton available on the open market.
The team’s most recent pair of roster moves add to that reality. After Nikola Jokic tested positive for the coronavirus, it was only a matter of time before the team became active in the league’s transaction window. They didn’t disappoint. The Nuggets quickly came to terms with P.J. Dozier after converting his contract from a two-way deal into a contract that keeps him signed through the end of the season.
The Nuggets also continue to invest heavily in their front court as both Paul Millsap and Mason Plumlee approach free agency. Jerami Grant was traded for in the offseason, and the Nuggets now have brought back power forward Tyler Cook on a two-way deal. Denver now has a full cast of players that they can audition for the role of replacing Harris as the team continues to flesh out a deep rotation.
Harris is the most logical trade candidate for Denver. He is in his physical prime, has established himself as a very capable two-way player, and is on a big enough salary that other teams would be able to use his contract while selling on a lofty salary of their own. Harris’s usage rate this season is the lowest it’s been during his entire career, meaning Michael Malone and the Denver offense continue to phase him out of the equation more and more.
Denver has plenty of horses to make up for the potential loss of Harris. Will Barton, Michael Porter Jr., and now P.J. Dozier could all be long term pieces on the wing for the Nuggets. It is only a matter of time before the Nuggets pull the trigger on a massive trade involving the former Michigan State star.