Wizards Acquiring Monte Morris, Will Barton From Nuggets For KCP, Ish Smith

The Nuggets are nearing a trade that will send guard Monte Morris and guard/forward Will Barton to the Wizards for guards Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith, per Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The deal is expected to be finalized soon, added ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

Washington has been on the lookout for help in the backcourt, as it prepares to sign Bradley Beal to a large contract. Theoretically, both Morris and Barton will be able to help immediate with ballhandling and facilitating duties, while proving capable of scoring themselves.

Meanwhile, Denver is getting more experience in its own backcourt, with Caldwell-Pope offering additional outside shooting. The Nuggets are also expected to get back guard Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. from injuries.

If Smith plays even one game for the Nuggets, he will have set the record for number of NBA teams by one player with 13, per researcher Matt Williams of the Wizards.

Morris, 27, is 6-foot-2 and appeared in 75 games last season with the Nuggets, averaging 12.6 points, 4.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds. He is likely to be an immediate starter next to Beal and Kristaps Porzingis.

Barton, 31, is 6-6 and plays everywhere from small forward to point guard. He averaged 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 71 appearances.

Caldwell-Pope, 29, is 6-5 and compiled averages of 13.2 points and 3.4 rebounds in 77 games last season.

And Smith, 33, is 6-0 and appeared in 65 games, averaging 6.3 points and 3.8 assists.

Hoops Wire will have more news on the trade as it develops, so be sure to check back for the latest.