Nuggets emerge as possible landing spot for Cam Whitmore

The Nuggets have room for Cam Whitmore. Whether they want to pay the luxury-tax bill required to use it is another question.

Denver has emerged as a possible destination for the free agent forward, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. The Nuggets currently have 14 players on standard contracts and one two-way opening.

Whitmore, 22, was acquired by the Cavaliers from the Wizards last month before Cleveland waived him to complete its offseason roster moves. He will still receive his fully guaranteed $5.46 million salary from the Cavs.

That allows Whitmore to prioritize basketball opportunity over another payday. He could accept a minimum standard contract or possibly a two-way deal, for which he remains eligible for one more season.

Denver’s hesitation could be financial. The Nuggets are already deep into luxury-tax territory, meaning even a minimum signing would carry a considerably larger overall cost.

If Denver fills its 15th standard spot, Whitmore could compete with Lonnie Walker IV for a place on the regular-season roster.

Whitmore averaged 10.8 points in 17.4 minutes during his first two seasons with Houston while shooting 35.7 percent from beyond the arc. He played only 21 games for Washington last season before a blood clot in his right shoulder ended his year.

His health and conditioning will naturally be part of any evaluation. Still, the talent that made Whitmore the No. 20 pick in the 2023 draft has not disappeared. Denver could offer a winning environment without making a major commitment.

Whitmore needs a chance. The Nuggets may have one available. Best of all for Denver, Cleveland is already picking up the expensive part of the tab.