3 Under-the-Radar Bargain Free Agents the Nuggets Need to Target

3 Under-the-Radar Bargain Free Agents the Nuggets Need to Target

The Denver Nuggets face strict financial constraints this offseason. With only nine players currently under contract, the front office must get creative and find budget-friendly options to fill out the remainder of the roster.

While Denver might explore trades to shed salary and bring back cheaper assets, they also need to look at the free-agent market for players willing to sign veteran minimum deals. Here are three overlooked free agents who would be ideal fits for the Nuggets:

1. Keon Ellis (Guard)

Previously regarded as a rising 3-and-D guard with the Sacramento Kings, Ellis was moved to the Cleveland Cavaliers at the trade deadline but struggled to find consistent minutes. During the regular season with Cleveland, he averaged 8.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in nearly 25 minutes per game. However, his playing time plummeted in the postseason, where he averaged just 7.4 minutes and recorded six DNPs (Did Not Play).

Despite his recent lack of opportunity, the 26-year-old remains an elite perimeter defender and a career 40.7% three-point shooter. Denver should seize the opportunity to sign him; his defensive prowess would instantly boost the Nuggets’ bench, and his reliable outside shooting ensures he won’t be a liability on offense.

2. Jaxson Hayes (Center)

Denver’s gamble on Jonas Valanciunas as a backup center failed to pan out, as he fell out of the rotation by the playoffs. Finding a dependable backup for Nikola Jokic is a priority, and Hayes is a prime candidate. This past season with the Los Angeles Lakers, the athletic big man averaged 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per game, while converting an incredibly efficient 75.6% of his field goals.

Hayes excels as a rim protector and an athletic finisher out of the dunker spot. Not only could he hold down the fort when Jokic rests, but his athleticism would also allow him to share the court with the three-time MVP, who excels at maximizing the talents of rim-running big men.

3. Gary Payton II (Guard)

Though pulling Payton away from the Golden State Warriors might be a challenge, he represents the perfect backup plan if the Nuggets fail to re-sign Bruce Brown. The 33-year-old veteran averaged 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists this season while shooting an efficient 58.3% from the floor.

Payton would inject championship experience, high energy, and elite defensive grit into Denver’s second unit, while also offering secondary playmaking when called upon. He is the quintessential role player for a title contender, making him a target the Nuggets should aggressively pursue.