Guard Will Barton is well aware of the trade rumors swirling around him and hopes the Nuggets retain him, Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post reports.
Several teams have reportedly expressed interest in Barton, including the Wizards and Pelicans. The Nuggets were offered a first-round pick for him last year, but they declined, according to Dempsey.
Barton would prefer to stay put.
“They know I want to be here. It’s no secret,” he told Dempsey. “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.”
Part of Barton’s appeal to other teams is his modest contract. He is making approximately $3.5MM this season and the same amount next season. He has been productive since returning from an ankle injury, averaging 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists.
Barton’s name probably won’t come off the rumor mill any time soon. Denver has a logjam at shooting guard with Gary Harris and Jamal Murray also competing for minutes.
Barton does see a silver lining, according to Dempsey.
“Teams calling trying to check my availability means that I’m doing something right,” Barton said. “My body is still getting better. I feel like my game is getting better.”