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.
Nevertheless, they need to be holding an in depth 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, acquired as much as $50 million in further wage, on high of the $175 million he acquired from 2021 to 2025. If the Clippers are discovered to have carried out incorrect, they might get pummeled by the NBA, probably even leading to Leonard’s contract being voided.
That might be a nightmare situation for the Clippers however could possibly be an ideal alternative for the Nuggets.
The Denver Nuggets should preserve an in depth eye on the Kawhi Leonard scenario
Whereas the Nuggets would not possible be on the high of Leonard’s checklist, if his contract have been voided, they might 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 could possibly be an amazing promoting level. He may additionally be part of a ready-made contender that contains a top-three participant in Nikola Jokic.
Even when he have been to signal for only a season, he’d be effectively value having for a doubtlessly lengthy playoff run with the Nuggets having to take care of the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder. Denver got here dangerously near toppling the Thunder final season however got here up simply quick.
They’ve dramatically improved this summer time and seem like Oklahoma Metropolis’s greatest risk to a repeat. If the Nuggets can by some means add Leonard, then that could possibly be a recreation changer and all however assure them a visit to the finals.
Including Kawhi Leonard can be a game-changer for the Nuggets
With out Leonard, the Nuggets have already constructed a a lot deeper group that might push the Thunder subsequent season. Nevertheless, if Leonard shakes unfastened 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 quick time period, and the Nuggets would doubtlessly current an attention-grabbing touchdown spot. Think about him abruptly turning into a free agent throughout the season, touchdown with the Nuggets, and having a robust few months, serving to propel them to the NBA Finals.
It is a lengthy shot however would rely on the league’s findings after which on Leonard’s choice have been he to turn out to be obtainable. However, if he does, then the Nuggets would doubtlessly emerge as a doable touchdown spot for Leonard.
