Denver Nuggets: Which realistic free agents best fit team’s needs?

As the Denver Nuggets approach 2019 NBA free agency with a buyer’s mentality, let’s break down targets who could realistically move into town.

Denver Nuggets fans, the wait is almost over. 2019 NBA free agency is nearly upon us.

The kickoff, which has become one of sports’ wildest annual melees, commences on June 30, as each team bombards target free agents through multiple channels. Delusions that plague each fanbase will reach an all-time high, before finally getting squelched in one fell swoop. And believe me, several ideas are in dire need of a good squelching.

Take a strand of Brooklyn Nets fans, for example, who believe a trio of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and DeAndre Jordan is currently en route to save them. Or how about a handful of New York Knicks supporters, who were disturbingly quick to make Durant’s injury about them? Then there’s a group of Los Angeles Clippers fans, who have already signed Kawhi Leonard in their minds.

It gets worse. Check out Durant’s soundbite on a July 2018 podcast, per Harrison Wind of BSN Denver:

"“Obviously the New York’s, LA’s, it’s the best. But Phoenix, Phoenix is the one I love a lot. I like Phoenix, Scottsdale area is dope. Miami. Denver, actually. I like Denver a lot, it’s super chill.”"

To clarify, the interview question was regarding vacation spots. Nonetheless, some claimed this as evidence for Durant considering the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns. Has the world gone insane?

With all the chatter, it’s difficult to track which rumors are real. Everyone talks, and most of it is cheap. With such constant social media communication, who can make heads or tails of Denver’s chances with anyone?

Let’s make it easier. For starters, Mile High fans should forget the likes of Durant, Leonard, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. They probably won’t even meet with Nuggets brass. Free agency apparently isn’t just about winning, as LeBron James demonstrated last season.

Others such as Tobias Harris, Jimmy Butler and Kemba Walker are likely too expensive. Denver cherishes its core, and a signing at this level would require moving other pieces. It’s hard to justify obliterating the roster after such a successful 2018-19 campaign.

This leaves a more realistic tier, highlighted by names like Bojan Bogdanovic and Trevor Ariza.

Bogdanovic was one of the league’s better offensive wings last season, averaging 18.0 points per game while shooting 42.5 percent from deep. If he signs with the Nuggets, look for them to boast a top-3 offense in 2019-20 and get buckets in a major way.

Bogdanovic shouldered an increased volume with the Indiana Pacers as they trudged through multiple injuries. Somehow he upped his efficiency in this increased role, shooting a career-high 49.7 percent from the field.

His stroke would seamlessly blend with Denver’s starting unit, providing a great catch-and-shoot outlet for Nikola Jokic. Bogdanovic would’ve been a helpful shot-maker in the postseason, as his floor-spacing discourages double-teams.

One problem to note, the Croatian forward may be out of mid-level range. Considering his combined volume and efficiency last year, there’s a good chance he can command more than a $9.3 million salary. Denver’s best sales pitch will be its winning opportunities, cool chemistry and Jokic’s ability to create open shots.

Consequently, a second choice must be in place. Trevor Ariza is another viable option for the squad. While Ariza isn’t as offensively dynamic as Bogdanovic, he’s a fantastic 3-and-D player who would fit nicely into the Nuggets’ starting lineup.

Ariza is actually stronger on the stopping end, as he posted a solid 105.1 defensive rating with the Houston Rockets in 2017-18. He’s averaged 1.5 steals per game over his 15-year career, utilizing active hands and a long reach. His height (6’8″) is bothersome to opposing wings, and he would’ve helped Denver contain Rodney Hood in the Portland Trail Blazers series.

Offensively, Ariza would blend well with the Nuggets, specializing as a corner-3 assassin. He drains at a reliable clip, knocking down a career 35.1 percent from deep. He’s also used to a catch-and-shoot style and doesn’t require the ball to be effective.

The Nuggets would be well-served to acquire either of these two. Each would start immediately, and prove himself a huge upgrade over Denver’s current small forward options.

Behind the glamour and pizzazz of marquee free agents, a solid Nuggets squad hides, one piece away from championship contention. Buckle up, Mile High. This could be an effective, if low-key offseason.