NBA Trade Rumors: Denver Nuggets Receiving Calls Regarding Will Barton
Denver Nuggets shooting guard Will Barton appears to be on the trading block. According to some NBA trade rumors, the Nuggets have accepted a few telephone calls regarding the availability of Barton over the past few weeks. Whether something happens with the Nuggets and another team remains to be seen. The fact that there is trade chatter could turn out to be a good thing.
One has to be a Denver Nuggets fan or someone who truly knows the NBA to realize who Will Barton is. He has quietly built a nice reputation for himself over the last two years. Barton has gone from NBA obscurity to being heralded as an athletic wing player with a knack for scoring. Questions are now being raised about his time with the Denver Nuggets. Nothing from Barton’s perspective. He has openly told reporters of his desires to stay with the Nuggets (courtesy of the Denver Post).
“They know I want to be here. It’s no secret. I want to be a part of this core that gets it right. I feel like we’re making huge strides. We’re right there, kind of fighting for that eighth seed. I feel like we’ve just gotten our team completely healthy, and I want to be part of that and they know that.”
Young guards Emmanuel Mudiay and Jamal Murray are the future of the Nuggets franchise. Both are high draft picks, while the latter is pushing for ample playing time. Joining them is Gary Harris, who was acquired by the Nuggets in a 2013 draft day trade has to be evaluated at some point. He concludes a trio which makes Will Barton expendable on the Nuggets.
Will Barton is a name that will part of several NBA trade rumors and trade scenarios. The Nuggets can easily find a team willing to take him on. But will the Nuggets receive a trade offer that they like?
According to Basketball Insiders, the New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards have called the Denver Nuggets about the availability of guard Will Barton. Both teams present an opportunity for Barton to get some playing time. They also have some assets that could entice the Nuggets and get a deal done.
In the case of a Nuggets and Wizards swap, a likely scenario would include draft picks. The Wizards are in need of more athleticism in their lineup. They also need a third guard who can start in a pinch. Given the injury history of their backcourt consisting of John Wall and Bradley Heal, if the Wizards acquired a guard by the NBA trade deadline, he will likely have to be a solid starter or rotational contributor.
In Barton, the Denver Nuggets are dealing from a position of strength. And getting a draft pick, along with a young developmental player could allow them to pull off a trade. Are the Washington Wizards an ideal trading partner?
Barton is a good player, but the Nuggets must also understand that he has a couple of limitations. That, along with the fact that he is not a household name will play a role in the asking price.
Is Will Barton worthy of a huge haul? Not necessarily. But the Nuggets again can get something good in return if they trade him. That something good could come from the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pelicans can offer the Nuggets oft-injured swingman Tyreke Evans and his expiring deal for Barton and a future second round pick. Quincy Poindexter could also enter the mix.
Other teams could also get involved by placing calls to the Denver Nuggets and inquire about Will Barton. More NBA trade rumors will circulate.
Until the Denver Nuggets come out and say that Will Barton is unavailable the next few weeks will become interesting.
[Featured Image by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images]
