Nuggets’ Will Barton, Monte Morris Available In Trade Talks?

Opposing executives expect the Nuggets will make guard/forward Will Barton and guard Monte Morris available in trade talks this summer, according to Matt More of Action Network.

While the Nuggets like both players, clearly, they will be exploring ways to improve the roster and become more of a true contender around reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. And that likely goes just beyond the likely returns of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. from injuries next season.

As we relayed earlier, via Moore, the Nuggets are said to be among the teams that could have trade interest in Raptors forward OG Anunoby. But that report was mentioned as a separate item from the note involving Barton and Morris.

“It’s worth noting that Barton’s $14,375,000 expiring salary in 2022/23 could theoretically work in the framework of a deal for Anunoby, who’ll make $17,357,143 in ’22/23, but the Raptors would likely ask for Bones Hyland and a first-round pick or two on top of Barton, assuming Toronto is even interested at all,” wrote Rory Maher of Hoops Rumors.

Either way, this is trade rumors season, so some of these reports need to be met with a critical eye. But Moore is dialed in, and it would not be shocking if the Nuggets did at least explore what Barton and Morris might bring in return. This is a team that is trying to get to another level under new head of basketball operations Calvin Booth.

“[I]nstead of the usual period of trying to gain footing, Denver is expected to hit the offseason running,” Moore wrote.