The Denver Nuggets have re-signed Will Barton to a two-year, $32 million deal. It comes after the wing declined his player option worth $14.7 million, entering unrestricted free agency.
Yahoo Sources: Free agent guard Will Barton to re-sign with the Denver Nuggets on a two-year, $32 million deal. https://t.co/RFOn5itdsD
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) August 2, 2021
Even after hiring a new agency and declining his option with the Nuggets, there was strong momentum between the two parties in finding a new deal.
As Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN reported after Barton declined his option:
"“There is a strong interest between the team and Barton to negotiate a new deal once free agency opens in August, sources said. Barton, whose seven seasons in Denver make him the longest-tenured Nugget, is a top priority for Nuggets President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly to keep long-term.”"
While the finer details of the contract aren’t finalized, Barton returning gives the Denver Nuggets a solid option to replace Jamal Murray’s absence following his torn ACL.
Barton averaged 12.7 points and 3.2 assists in 55 appearances for Denver this past season and he’ll likely be able to soak up much of Jamal’s ball-handling duties. This must have been part of the rationale for re-signing Barton for Tim Connelly.
Head coach Michael said the move would be a priority in his end of season press conference:
"“I would love for Will Barton to be back. Everything he brings to the team. That’s on the court, off the court, in the locker room, from a culture standpoint. … He means a ton to me personally. He means a ton to this team and everything we’ve been able to accomplish these last six years. … Me, personally, I hope he’s back here for a long time.”"
Barton was one of the day-one moves for the Denver Nuggets in 2021 free agency. The team re-signed Barton and JaMychal Green while also adding Jeff Green from the Brooklyn Nets.
Following these three moves and after drafting Bones Hyland, the Denver Nuggets have 13 players on the roster, just under the allowed number of 15. The team hasn’t announced what they’ll be doing with their own free agents in Shaq Harrison, Markus Howard, Austin Rivers, and JaVale McGee.