The Nuggets have expressed interest in trading for Tyreke Evans

Earlier today, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that as trade talks for Memphis Grizzlies’ guard Tyreke Evans intensifies, the team will be resting Evans until a deal is reached.

Woj then released a story containing a few more details regarding the situation, and interestingly, the Nuggets were mentioned as having interest:

The Grizzlies are shopping Evans to try to bring back a first-round draft pick, league sources said, and discussions with several playoff-contending teams have intensified in the past 24 hours.

Teams chasing the playoffs in the East (Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Boston) and the West (Denver and New Orleans) are among those expressing interest in acquiring Evans, league sources said.

The extent of Denver’s interest in Evans is not known at this time, but the idea of trading for Evans is intriguing, even if Memphis is seeking a first round pick in return. Evans has had a solid year for the Grizzlies, averaging 19.5 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists primarily off the bench. He would fit a need that Denver needs - bench scoring - but also plays a role that should in theory should be covered by Will Barton.

Like Barton, Evans contract is up at the end of the season, so another aspect to consider is whether or not it would be worth giving up a draft pick for potentially a half-season rental. However, if Denver is serious about making the playoffs (hint: they are), then Denver will obviously be exploring any players who could make the team better in the short run. And, should Evans pan out, the Nuggets could be in a place to lock him in for a longer deal in lieu of Barton.

Tyreke’s current deal is for just under $3.3 million, so for the Nuggets to pull the trigger it wouldn’t take much to match. For example, Denver could offer Juancho Hernangomez and Malik Beasley plus a pick, which would also open up a roster spot for Torrey Craig. This would give Memphis a future asset and two young players to build around, while bolstering Denver’s bench unit for at least this season.

Stay tuned for more details should they emerge.