The start of training camp is just a few weeks away, but the Denver Nuggets still haven't totally filled out their roster. They've filled only 14 of the 15 available roster spots, which meets the NBA's rule requiring at least 14 players on the standard roster. The 15th spot is optional, but given how injuries can pile up, it's best to have that spot filled with someone by the end of the season so they've got the depth heading into the playoffs.
So what could the Nuggets possibly do with their 15th and final standard contract spot? It mostly depends on whether the Nuggets can fix their salary cap issues first, likely through a salary-dump trade. But even if they do, the Nuggets may still choose to roll through the regular season with only 14 players, and they may not fill that 15th spot until later, if at all.
The Nuggets could leave their final roster spot open
As most Nuggets fans know by now, they're in a salary cap crunch and trying to work their way back under the NBA's second-apron luxury tax threshold. The Nuggets are currently the only team in the league over the line, and adding a player for this 15th spot without first completing the salary dump isn't very likely unless the Nuggets have something up their sleeve.
The Nuggets are currently projected to be $3.15 million over the threshold and face a luxury tax bill of about $75 million. Adding to that large tax number is just one of the reasons Peyton Watson was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for only draft capital. It wouldn't be surprising at all to see the Nuggets leave the 15th spot open to start the season.
The Nuggets could wait to fill the final spot until later in the season
Last season, the Nuggets carried 14 players until the NBA trade deadline, then traded Hunter Tyson to the Brooklyn Nets without taking back a player so they could get under the luxury tax threshold. By rule, the Nuggets had 14 days to get back in compliance with the 14-player minimum. They then signed Spencer Jones to a standard contract for the rest of the season, elevating him from his two-way contract and satisfying the 14-player minimum.
The Nuggets then signed Tyus Jones to the 15th and final roster spot after his contract was bought out by the Dallas Mavericks on March 2nd. Since it was late in the season, the Nuggets had just enough cap space left to sign both Jones on prorated deals and stay under the luxury tax.
That's the most likely move the Nuggets make again this season. At some point, they'll dump either Zeke Nnaji or Julian Strawther, potentially close to the trade deadline, and depending on the deal, they'll fill the 14th and 15th spots in the same manner.
It's a strategy the Nuggets have used before, and it wouldn't be surprising to see them use it again.
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