The Denver Nuggets have not ever been a team that makes a lot of noise in free agency. There was that one time where Kiki Vandeweghe give up three 1st round picks to secure the restricted free agent signing of Kenyon Martin. Other than that the Nuggets notable signings have not been very expensive players. Denver has a bit of cap room to work with after trading Arron Afflalo, Javale McGee and Timofey Mozgov.
The team has a couple clear needs to address coming in July. First improving their overall shooting is a must. With Michael Malone as coach Tim Connelly will likely try to give him players with the ability to play both ends of the floor. The team also has holes at back up point guard and small forward depending on how one views the roster.
This years free agency period will be a good time for the Nuggets to add more shooting to their roster. Khris Middleton is a restricted free agent capable of spreading the floor and defending multiple positions but it currently looks like the Milwaukee Bucks will match most offers. DeMarre Carroll had a big 3 point shooting season last season in Atlanta and has started to build a reputation as a defensive stopper. The Nuggets could try to see if Wesley Matthews will take a discounted contract following an Achilles surgery. Danny Green has been one of the top catch and shoot players the past three seasons in San Antonio and also looks to be the cheapest of the aforementioned shooters. Marco Bellineli is another Spurs shooter thats available. If the Nuggets are serious to make improvements next season then they need to get one of these four guys.
Now it is time to look at possible back up point guard options. As of right now I expect this to be the biggest move that would really happen this off season. While this guy may want to still be a starter, Patrick Beverley would likely become a Malone favorite with his relentless pressure on defense. If a team can convince him to become a backup then he can be a difference maker on the right team. Jeremy Lin is the next quality back up point on the list. He is not quite the impact player that Beverley is though. The back up point guard pool takes a steep decline after Mo Williams. This signing will end up being very underwhelming.
Overall, This years free agency class isn't worth making a big splash over. However, there are quite a few shooters who could help the Nuggets next season. This team will continue to do the bulk of their work via trades. Are there any other free agents worth considering for the Nuggets?
