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Denver Nuggets: Action Continues Despite Losing Free Agents

By Kevin C Keller

Apr 13, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love (42) fights for position with Sacramento Kings forward Travis Outlaw (25) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 106-103. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love (42) fights for position with Sacramento Kings forward Travis Outlaw (25) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 106-103. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Nuggets’ two free agents are gone with Aaron Brooks becoming a Chicago Bull and Jan Vesely set to play the next few seasons on an European team. Now that the two “rentals” have left the Mile High City the Nuggets roster has room for one more heading into the back end of free agency.

The team used last season’s trade deadline to grab Brooks and Vesely, but their tryout didn’t warrant signing either one to an extension. The Nuggets’ name never came up as a possible destination for Brooks in the free agent whirlpool, and Vesley’s didn’t draw interest from really anyone in the NBA.

So, this offseason now breaks down like this. Additions: Arron Afflalo, Gary Harris, and Jusuf Nurkic. Subtractions: Evan Fournier, Aaron Brooks, and Jan Vesely. With all the exciting talent coming in, I don’t think the team is going to miss the combined 16.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game Brooks and Vesley put up as Nuggets.

The Nuggets, and general manager Tim Connelly, are still looking to add some exciting talent for that last roster spot. Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Tuesday that the Nuggets have a very enticing offer on the table to land Minnesota’s Kevin Love this week.

The players that are on the bargaining table remain a mystery, but it’s clear the offseason excitement is here to stay with Connelly as GM.

Apr 16, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Aaron Brooks (0) drives to the basket during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Aaron Brooks (0) drives to the basket during the first quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Love’s name gets everyone excited, but he still is a long shot. Simply because the Nuggets don’t have a bargaining chip as valuable as the 2014 first pick Andrew Wiggins. However, being involved in the trade negotiations can be valuable because it lets Minnesota and the other teams involved understand who exactly is on the table from the Nuggets roster.

The Nuggets roster could be improved in ways besides landing Kevin Love, and having those chips on the table makes it easier to swoop in and become the third team in a superstar trade if Minnesota ships the star forward to Cleveland or Golden State.

It would be a lot easier to get Gary Harris and Quincy Miller valuable development minutes if Wilson Chandler or Randy Foye were playing in Minnesota next year. Plus, the Nuggets depth (barring injuries) should allow them to ship a couple players away without damaging their competitiveness.

To be competitive in the long run, the Nuggets would benefit greatly by developing the talented Harris over letting him learn behind an aging Foye. Plus, they wouldn’t have to rely on the rookie to win games because they still have their starter in Aaron Afflalo.

So, hold on to your seats Nuggets fans! We don’t know if it will be Kevin Love or if it will be the 2016 first round pick coming to town, but all signs point to more action coming this offseason.

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