Denver Nuggets: 5 way too early mid-season buyout candidates
By Alex Murray
Denver Nuggets buyout candidate #2: Terrence Ross, G, Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic are going nowhere fast. The Denver Nuggets should know, they helped facilitate Orlando’s rebuild by supplying them with a first-rounder, Gary Harris, and R.J. Hampton at last year’s trade deadline. Now that Gordon’s been secured on a long-term deal, it seems the Nuggets are pretty happy with that deal but are they done pilfering the home of Disney?
It seems more and more teams are taking on the Sam Presti Oklahoma City Thunder blueprint of completely eradicating veterans from their rosters while they’re rebuilding in order to acquire the maximum amount of draft capital. Based on the moves the Magic made at last year’s trade deadline, it’s safe to say they’re operating in a similar way.
That would seem to leave 30-year-old powder keg Terrence Ross on the outs in Florida. The nine-year veteran has just one year left on his current contract, and with Cole Anthony, Hampton, and No. 5 overall pick Jalen Suggs (who just so happens to play the two like Ross) in the backcourt, the direction seems clear in Mickey’s house.
He’s got four 30-point games since the start of 2020, and we can’t forget about his 51-point explosion when he was a part of the Toronto Raptors. Sure, it was eight years ago, but anyone who can burn as hot as Ross did that night is definitely still a weapon off the bench at age 30.
Ross has also played in just ten playoff games since 2016, so he’s got a chip on his shoulder and it’s likely that he’s eager to get to a destination where he can do some winning. With Monte Morris moving to the starting lineup and Will Barton likely joining him, Denver’s bench will be devoid of scoring options, especially in the backcourt.
Ross could be the perfect medicine, and the front offices in Orlando and Denver are already quite familiar with one another.