NBA Rumors: The Player the Denver Nuggets Want to Improve Their Roster
The Colorado franchise has the best player in the world, but in recent seasons, it has not been able to support him as it should.
The Denver Nuggets were barely able to make significant moves during the summer market mainly due to their economic limitations. The only notable additions were DeMar DeRozan and Marvin Bagley III, both arriving as free agents.
However, the franchise could still add another piece to its roster after showing interest in Cam Whitmore, according to Marc Stein from The Stein Line.
Denver seeks solutions for its lack of depth
The Nuggets have raised some concerns about their lack of depth following the departures of Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valanciunas, and Bruce Brown.
In this context, Whitmore appears as a possibility to strengthen the team. "The Nuggets, from what I hear, have become a team to watch in the race for Cam Whitmore," Stein wrote in his Substack.
Whitmore, selected 20th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, was recently waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers after the franchise acquired him as part of the five-team trade that brought Peyton Watson to Ohio.
This operation also involved the Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, and Charlotte Hornets.
A talent seeking to regain his best version
Last season, Whitmore averaged 9.2 points, with a 45.6% shooting percentage and 2.8 rebounds in 21 games with the Wizards. In his rookie season with the Houston Rockets, he had better numbers, averaging 12.3 points per game in 47 games, although his performance declined thereafter.
The 22-year-old forward, trained at Villanova, still has potential to develop as a prototypical 3-and-D player. The opportunity to share the team with Nikola Jokic could help him unlock those capabilities.
Whitmore has a pending salary of $5.4 million for the upcoming season.
Peyton Watson changes the situation in Cleveland
Peyton Watson's arrival at the Cavaliers, who signed a four-year, $88 million contract, left Cleveland subject to the first apron and forced the franchise to part ways with Whitmore.
Additionally, the Cavaliers extended James Harden's contract for three seasons and $96.5 million, a move that also impacted their financial situation.
Now, Denver appears as one of the teams that could offer Whitmore a new opportunity while trying to strengthen a roster that has lost several pieces during the summer.
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