The Denver Nuggets ended their season with another losing record at 40-42. They were one game away from making the playoffs but fell just short. Despite being second in rebounding and assists as a team, they struggled defensively allowing a whopping 111.2 points per game. The Nuggets have most of their roster intact but a few key players on their roster are set to be free agents. Check out the free agents of the Nuggets below:
1. Danilo Gallinari (SF), Unrestricted
Danilo Gallinari comes into this offseason as Denver’s most valuable free agent. Gallinari averaged 18.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 63 games this season. He provided solid numbers as a scorer and decent rebounding numbers, but doesn’t do a whole lot else. According to Sportando, Gallinari said that the Nuggets aren’t his first choice despite them offering him a five-year deal instead of four from other teams. Nonetheless, Gallinari has opted out of his contract and intends to test free agency. Injuries and inconsistent play are factors that can influence management on whether to re-sign the 28-year-old or not. It will be interesting to see what the market will be for Gallinari, as many playoff teams are in search to bolster their roster.
2. Mason Plumlee (PF/C), Restricted
(Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports)Coming into free agency as a restricted free agent, Mason Plumlee in 27 games with the Nuggets averaged 9.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 blocks. He gave them energy and youth at the power forward/center position. General Manager Tim Connelly believes Plumlee to be a huge piece of their core, which shows how much interest they have in re-signing him. The 27-year-old won’t likely receive $15-20 million from other teams, so Denver should be able to match any offer sheets that come Plumlee’s way. It would be shocking to see him not be in a Nugget uniform come opening night.
3. Roy Hibbert (C), Unrestricted
(Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)The acquisition of Roy Hibbert from the Milwaukee Bucks didn’t go as planned for Denver. He barely got any playing time with Plumlee and Jokic having more impact on the court. Hibbert’s market in free agency will be tough since the league is all about shooting threes and spacing the court. He is a solid defender but moves really slowly against fast and quick big men. Expect the Nuggets to pass on him and look for mobile centers. Hibbert may be a better fit as a veteran leader on a championship caliber team.
