Nuggets among multiple teams expected to pursue Ryan Nembhard if waived

The Nuggets are among multiple teams expected to show interest in Ryan Nembhard if the Hornets waive him, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

Charlotte acquired Nembhard from the Hawks on Tuesday night as part of the trade that sent Dorian Finney-Smith to Atlanta. Buddy Hield and cash also went to the Hornets.

Nembhard is expected to be waived, as first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN. But that appears to be more about Charlotte’s roster situation than the guard’s value around the league.

The Hornets have 18 players on standard contracts and must get down to 15 before opening night. Seventeen of those contracts are guaranteed.

Nembhard is owed $2.15 million on an expiring contract, making him one of the least expensive players to release. Charlotte also has Dennis Schröder and first-round pick Christian Anderson Jr. behind projected starting point guard Coby White.

Denver’s interest makes sense. Nembhard is still just 23 and showed he could run an NBA offense during his rookie season with the Mavericks.

The undrafted guard averaged 6.6 points, 5.3 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 60 games, including 27 starts. He shot 41.5 percent from the field and 35.6 percent from beyond the arc after earning a promotion from a two-way contract.

If waived, Nembhard would be eligible to sign with any team except Atlanta. Multiple suitors are expected to offer him a two-way contract, though his rookie production could also make him a candidate for a standard roster spot elsewhere.