Denver Nuggets: 3 wing options available at mid-level salary

2. Danny Green

How can a 2019 NBA champion be swayed to leave his current team? How about a longer-term opportunity with the Nuggets, and the chance to win back-to-back trophies on separate squads?

Danny Green is a solid free agent pickup, but could be overlooked as the Toronto Raptors try their darnedest to retain Kawhi Leonard. Green will likely explore the market, especially if he feels distant from Toronto’s priorities. He is a traditional 3-and-D guy, and multiple teams would benefit from his addition.

Green would be an excellent fit with the Nuggets as an outside scorer, capitalizing on Jokic’s kick-out passes. He averaged 10.3 points per game last year, hitting a stellar 45.5 percent from deep. Denver would have strong floor-spacing with him at small forward, discouraging opponents from double-teaming Jokic.

Green is also a marquee defender, posting a 103.7 defensive rating in 2018-19. He’ll join forces with Paul Millsap and Gary Harris to form an impressive defensive trio. The only downside involves Green’s 6’6″ frame, which is undersized for a small forward. The Nuggets started gritty defender Torrey Craig (same height) in the conference semifinals, and got burned by bigger wing scorers.

Green earned $10 million last year, but turns 32 later this week. A multi-year contract at the mid-level rate would appease both parties, even if the annual amount is a tad lower.