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#3 Nicolas Batum | Los Angeles Clippers
One player who will be on plenty of teams' watchlists, including that of the Denver Nuggets, this summer is Nicolas Batum. The versatile forward revived his career under Ty Lue in LA and will be looking to increase his worth in the free agency market from the minimum deal he is currently on.
While the Clippers could use their taxpayer midlevel exception to bring the Frenchman back, there will likely be a host of offers on the table. Moving to the Denver Nuggets should be one of Batum's potential options.
The 32-year-old was the Clippers' connector on the floor this year, averaging eight points and 4.7 assists while also grabbing a steal per game. Batum was also good while competing with bigger wing players. He was utilized at times in the playoffs in small-ball lineups and would provide Nikola Jokic with additional protection in the paint if he joined the Denver Nuggets.
Batum shot at over 40% from beyond the arc and continued his accuracy into the postseason, where he grabbed an improved number of boards and steals per matchup.
#2 T.J. McConnell | Indiana Pacers
Another point guard the Denver Nuggets should look to target with their limited funds is T.J. McConnell. The bustling 29-year-old had a career-high year this season with the Indiana Pacers, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game - all personal bests.
While Murray is injured, McConnell could be the perfect backup guard behind Facundo Campazzo or could be equally effective as a starter. He averaged 26 minutes off the bench this season and had his best offensive rating of 117.
McConnell would provide the Denver Nuggets with a tougher option on defense than Campazzo and has a dangerous pick-and-roll game. He has utilized it with Joel Embiid and Domantas Sabonis in the past as well, making him the perfect option to play alongside reigning MVP Nikola Jokic.
McConnell's contract this year was a steal at just $3.5m and while the Pacers would like to bring him back, the Denver Nuggets can offer him more money and lure him with the chance of challenging for a title.
#1 Reggie Bullock | New York Knicks
Another New York Knicks free agent the Denver Nuggets could target this summer is lengthy forward Reggie Bullock. He was somewhat of an unsung hero during the 2020-21 campaign, emerging as an elite scoring option alongside the team's stars. Bullock drained 41% of his three-point attempts and averaged just shy of 11 points per game.
He is also a solid defender who would pair nicely with Michael Porter Jr. on the Nuggets' frontcourt. Although the Knicks could offer the former 1st round pick more money than the Denver Nuggets, he is likely to garner plenty of interest this summer. Bullock could also look to boost his championship hopes in the years ahead as he enters his 30s.
Guess the Lakers players!
