Few groups have managed to remake their roster as a lot because the Denver Nuggets. They dramatically improved this offseason after buying and selling Michael Porter Jr. and changing him with Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas.
Nonetheless, they need to be maintaining a detailed eye on the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers are being investigated by the NBA over alleged wage cap circumvention involving star Kawhi Leonard.
Leonard, in line with sportswriter Pablo Torre, obtained as much as $50 million in extra wage, on high of the $175 million he obtained from 2021 to 2025. If the Clippers are discovered to have finished improper, they might get pummeled by the NBA, presumably even leading to Leonard’s contract being voided.
That might be a nightmare state of affairs for the Clippers however might be an ideal alternative for the Nuggets.
The Denver Nuggets should hold a detailed eye on the Kawhi Leonard scenario
Whereas the Nuggets would not probably be on the high of Leonard’s record, if his contract had been voided, they’d have a possible leg up in a Leonard sweepstakes. They’ve entry to the complete mid-level exception value $14.3 million, a rarity for a contender at this stage of the offseason.
Cash clearly seems to be a precedence for Leonard, and with the ability to supply him probably the most quantity of any contender might be an ideal promoting level. He may additionally be a part of a ready-made contender that incorporates a top-three participant in Nikola Jokic.
Even when he had been to signal for only a season, he’d be properly value having for a doubtlessly lengthy playoff run with the Nuggets having to deal with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. Denver got here dangerously near toppling the Thunder final season however got here up simply brief.
They’ve dramatically improved this summer season and look like Oklahoma Metropolis’s largest menace to a repeat. If the Nuggets can one way or the other add Leonard, then that might be a recreation changer and all however assure them a visit to the finals.
Including Kawhi Leonard could be a game-changer for the Nuggets
With out Leonard, the Nuggets have already constructed a a lot deeper group that would push the Thunder subsequent season. Nonetheless, if Leonard shakes free throughout the season, providing him the complete mid-level exception would give them a leg up on the competitors.
He may head to the best bidder within the brief time period, and the Nuggets would doubtlessly current an fascinating touchdown spot. Think about him abruptly turning into a free agent throughout the season, touchdown with the Nuggets, and having a powerful few months, serving to propel them to the NBA Finals.
It is a lengthy shot however would rely upon the league’s findings after which on Leonard’s determination had been he to grow to be accessible. However, if he does, then the Nuggets would doubtlessly emerge as a attainable touchdown spot for Leonard.
