Denver Nuggets: 4 must-dos this offseason
By Sean Carroll
Denver Nuggets offseason checklist: Perimeter defense
Trading for Aaron Gordon was the right move. It gave Denver a defensive option for the big wings in the league, something that (before they all got eliminated this season) it looked like every team needed. AG was Denver’s answer to Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James among others.
In trading for Gordon, Denver had to part ways with Gary Harris who, while he had his injury issues, was the team’s best perimeter defender, especially against guards. He was crucial on defense in the 3-1 comeback victory against the Utah Jazz, making Donovan Mitchell’s life hard and giving Jamal Murray the easier assignment on that end.
The trade also saw Denver move on from R.J. Hampton. While he was just a rookie, he showed flashes of defensive potential and his 6-foot-4 frame and 6-foot-7 wingspan are perfect for following the Danny Green model of guard defense.
But that’s in the past now and Denver needs to cobble together some perimeter defense for next season’s postseason run.
Some of the better names out there on the free agent market who might be available for the minimum or tax-payer mid-level exception are Avery Bradley (if his Team Option is declined), Josh Richardson (Player Option), or Reggie Bullock.
Bit of an uninspiring list, hey?
If the free agent route doesn’t work, Connelly could look to spin Will Barton into something. He has a Player Option for next season worth $14.9 million and if he picks it up, that gives Denver a tradable salary that isn’t part of their core.
I previously wrote about Duncan Robinson or Kelly Oubre Jr’s fit in a sign-and-trade with Barton’s salary. Barton’s recent move to hire a new agency suggests there’s work to be done and his PO could be getting declined for an extension with Denver or another team.
I believe the best available option, if Barton either stays or leaves, would be to trade for Avery Bradley with the Houston Rockets. He’s not in Houston’s future plans and parting ways with a second-round pick gives the Rockets a bit more value from the entire James Harden/Victor Oladipo trade.