Nuggets said to be 'out' on one of top remaining free agents

The list of remaining NBA free agents is getting shorter and shorter by the day, but there are still a number of solid players available. With the Nuggets’ lack of depth and proven veterans, there are players who could clearly come in and help the team next season.

More than anything, the Nuggets need ballhandling and shooting as their guard rotation is looking extremely questionable and unproven behind Jamal Murray. There have been plenty of rumors about Russell Westbrook coming to Denver and he would make perfect sense as a backup point guard, but as of yet there has still been no movement on that front.

Nuggets still looking to fill final roster spot

There are a few free agents lingering out there who would fit well with the Nuggets, perhaps none more than Gary Trent Jr. GTJ is a solid shooting guard who can hit threes and attack a rotating defense. He has some decent defensive skills as well and is the type of player who could offer strong utility to any team.

As teams keep running out of cap room and roster space, there were some hopeful rumblings that perhaps Trent would be open to a one-year minimum deal with the Nuggets. He could possibly start or be a super sixth man for a contending team and could hopefully revamp his value to hit free agency again next season.

Gary Trent Jr. will not be signing with the Nuggets

However, according to Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports, Nuggets fans can “rule out Gary Trent Jr. as an option”. Sources have told Wind that GTJ won’t take a minimum offer, which is all that the Nuggets have left to offer free agents. Wind also added that he’s not sure the Nuggets would be interested anyway.

It’s a fascinating little tidbit; on paper, Trent Jr. would be an ideal fit for what the Nuggets need. On the other hand, the Nuggets’ front office is clearly keen on the current youth movement. Bringing in a player like Trent would take a lot of reps away from younger guys like Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, and others.

The team has repeatedly shown their belief in these young players and signing a veteran player like Trent would fly in the wind of all that. At this point, the Nuggets look increasingly confident in their roster and young players. Get used to it because it looks like for the most part, this is the crew that will be starting the season.