The Denver Nuggets enter the offseason in a state of disarray with their salary pressed right up against the NBA's second apron tax, and that's before signing others to the roster and re-signing Peyton Watson, who will command a large salary. But the Nuggets are looking to make some changes, and "all options are on the table." They've indicated that they're looking to upgrade athleticism, size, rim protection, and physicality, but they're going to have to do it on a budget.
Watson won't be cheap, but they still have two other likely minimum options that fit the mold of what they want, and the Nuggets should bring them back because they all address key needs.
3. David Roddy
David Roddy, the Nuggets' two-way acquisition, signed in early March, helped lead the Nuggets to victories in the final two games of the regular season against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs. Roddy scored 21 points against the Thunder, including 3-6 from three. And he had a 15-point, 13-rebound game against the Spurs. He displayed physicality, hustle, and surprising athleticism, getting to the hoop a few times.
Roddy won fans over with that play, and many were clamoring for a return for Roddy next season. The Nuggets can probably bring him back on that two-way deal and work him into a minimum contract like they did Spencer Jones this year. Roddy will be a restricted free agent on the two-way contract.
2. Spencer Jones
Spencer Jones started the season for the Nuggets on a two-way contract, but he finished the season starting in the playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves in place of the injured Aaron Gordon. Jones played impeccably well for the Nuggets, given the circumstances, and he had a game of 20 points on 4 of 5 shooting from three, plus 3 steals and 3 blocks.
Jones can play decent defense, is physical, and likely wouldn't cost the Nuggets more than the league minimum to keep a good role player who's familiar with the system. Jones is a restricted free agent.
1. Peyton Watson
Here's where the Nuggets break the bank. Another restricted free agent, Peyton Watson, is on the verge of taking the leap to the next level, whether he's with the Nuggets or not. But it's going to cost the Nuggets, and keeping Watson will likely result in trading someone else.
However, Watson has the athleticism the Nuggets need on both sides of the ball. Watson can play stout perimeter defense, and he developed a very nice mid-range jumper that he can create for himself off the dribble. He can get to the hoop for easy layups, or he can hit the three. Watson was even on head coach Adelman's list as a primary ballhandler, another need for the Nuggets moving forward.
Watson will be difficult to bring back, but the other two, Roddy and Jones, should have a good chance of returning to the Mile High City for 2026-27. It would be nice to see all three return.
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