Just like the Dallas Mavericks, the Denver Nuggets didn’t make too many moves during the offseason, but they did make a huge splash and built through the draft.
One of the biggest moves of the offseason
The Nuggets scored big when they reached an agreement with All-Star forward Paul Millsap, signing him to a three-year, $90 million contract. Millsap is a major upgrade at the power forward position and should be a terrific fit alongside the up-and-coming big man Nikola Jokic. Unfortunately, the addition of Millsap came at the cost of losing Danilo Gallinari.
Since Gallinari agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, the two teams -- along with the Atlanta Hawks -- completed a three-way sign-and-trade deal.
The 2017 NBA draft
Outside of Millsap, the Nuggets haven’t signed any other significant pieces. Instead, they looked to get younger through the draft. On draft night, they traded their 13th overall pick to the Utah Jazz for Trey Lyles and used the 24th overall pick to select Tyler Lydon. Lyles showed some potential when he was with the Jazz but never found enough playing time to see that potential realized.
Sadly, the Nuggets have a major logjam at the power forward position, consisting of Millsap, Lyles, Lydon, Kenneth Faried, Darrell Arthur, and Juan Hernangomez.
It seems impossible for Lyles and Lydon to find any minutes in such a crowded frontcourt.
Other minor signings that the Nuggets made were Torrey Craig and Monte Morris, who was the team’s second-round selection and 51st overall.
The Nuggets may not be done with their offseason just yet. As mentioned above, they have way too many power forwards and may eventually make a trade.
Faried has been rumored in many trade talks before, and it may only be a matter of time before Denver finally finds a deal for him. Mason Plumlee is also still a restricted free agent, and the Nuggets may have to decide what to do with him.
Ultimately, acquiring Millsap was a huge move that could very well place the Nuggets in the playoffs.
Even though they lost Gallinari, Millsap should help with his consistent play on both ends of the floor.
Roster outlook
- PG: Jameer Nelson/Emmanuel Mudiay/Monte Morris
- SG: Gary Harris/Will Barton/Jamal Murray/Malik Beasley
- SF: Wilson Chandler/Torrey Craig
- PF: Paul Millsap/Kenneth Faried/Juan Hernangomez/Darrell Arthur/Trey Lyles/Tyler Lydon
- C: Nikola Jokic
- Coach: Michael Malone
Offseason Grade: B
