BREAKING: Will Russell Westbrook Return, or Is a New Face Coming to Denver’s Bench?
The Denver Nugget are coming off another season that saw them be eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, this time in seven games by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Of course, this now marks back-to-back seasons that Denver has been eliminated in the second round.
Because of this, the Nuggets may elect to make some changes to their roster this offseason as they try to upgrade it around 3-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who is coming off arguably the best season of his incredible career.
Denver Nuggets stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray
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For Denver, they could elect to run it back with their current core of Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun, though a change may be needed as they try to chase a championship next season.
Denver also has a key decision to make regarding backup point guard Russell Westbrook, who declined his player option and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook sets the play during a game.
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The Nuggets could elect to try and re-sign Westbrook this offseason in free agency but if they are either unwilling or unable to do so, they will need to find a new backup point guard for their second unit.
There are many options available for the Nuggets but they have recently been linked to Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.
According to Bovada, the Nuggets have the second-best odds (+350) to land Rozier this offseason via trade with the Los Angeles Clippers emerging as the favorite (+325) to acquire him.
Rozier will be entering the final year of his contract and the Heat’s asking price should be a cheap one after his struggles this season.
The 31-year-old guard is coming off a season in which he averaged only 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 39.1% from the field and 29.5% from three in 64 games.
Apr 2, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center.
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This was a massive statistical drop-off for Rozier and with his struggles, the Nuggets may elect to look elsewhere to find a new backup point guard, though a change of scenery could help Rozier’s numbers.
