It's no secret that the Nuggets have been looking to fill the 15th and final roster spot with someone who enters the buyout market. And now, a golden opportunity awaits the Nuggets, as a long, skilled wing who has a chance to play and make an impact has been linked to Denver.
Marc Stein reports that the Nuggets have shown interest in Khris Middleton, who is weighing his options and will soon decide whether he wants to chase a championship or if he'll stay in Dallas as a member of the Mavericks. Middleton will have his choice of teams once bought out, and he'll have until the NBA's March 1st deadline to decide which team he wants to finish the season with.
Middleton, a 14-year veteran, combines forward-depth and size on the wing, two things the Nuggets have been looking for to shore up their roster. The former All-Star also brings a championship pedigree and was a member of the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks in 2020-21.
Middleton was traded from the Wizards to the Mavericks at the trade deadline as part of a three-team deal that saw Anthony Davis land in Washington. Middleton, 34, is having a decent season and has started 38 of the 40 games he's played this year. He's currently averaging 14.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in 6 games, 4 starts, with the Mavericks.
Middleton likely wouldn't start in Denver
If Middleton does decide to play in Denver, he's not likely to see time in the starting unit. Aaron Gordon or Peyton Watson will likely assume the role currently filled by Julian Strawther while both players are out with hamstring injuries. However, both Gordon and Watson are slated to return on or near March 5th, when the Nuggets will have 20 games left to play.
Middleton likely has the best fit of any of the players who have been rumored to hit the market. Earlier in the process, head coach David Adelman had stated that the Nuggets were simply looking for an "able body" to fill space on the roster and to provide veteran leadership. But Middleton can play.
Jeremy Sochan, who the Nuggets missed out on when he signed with the Knicks, would have been a decent play as well. He's more of a lockdown defender, but Middleton provides an offensive boost that Sochan lacks.
It would be great to see the Nuggets land a player who is capable of contributing now, rather than someone who just takes up space and provides "leadership." We won't have to wait long to find out.