With this season’s trade deadline just a week away, the Nuggets are known to be in the market for a veteran point guard, writes Sam Amick of USA Today. Two sources with knowledge of the situation tell Amick that one guard on Denver’s radar is Darren Collison, who is drawing “serious interest” from the Nuggets.
Collison, 30, has served as the Pacers’ starting point guard this season and has played well, averaging 12.9 PPG and 5.3 APG in 50 games (30.2 MPG). His .497 FG% and .432 3PT% are career highs.
Indiana is currently tied for the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, with a 29-23 record, so it’d be surprising if the team moves its starting point guard. Amick’s report indicates the Pacers have rebuffed the Nuggets’ trade efforts so far. Still, the team has a little depth at point guard — Cory Joseph has been solid as Collison’s backup and could slide into the starting lineup. Joe Young‘s role could be expanded if necessary, and Victor Oladipo and Lance Stephenson are capable of handling the ball too.
The Nuggets currently have Jamal Murray starting at point guard, with Will Barton spending some time at the one as well; Emmanuel Mudiay has seen his role reduced this season. According to Amick, Denver would like to be able to return Barton to his “super sixth man” role rather than relying on him for point guard duties.
Amick suggests that Kings point guard George Hill, who drew interest from the Nuggets in the offseason, might be another potential Denver target at the deadline. However, Hill’s $20MM cap hit and his guaranteed money beyond this season would be a deterrent. Collison is on a more team-friendly contract, at $10MM this season — only $2MM of his $10MM salary for 2018/19 is guaranteed.
According to Amick, the Nuggets also hope to find a way to clear a 15-man roster spot for two-way player Torrey Craig at some point.
I don’t see Collison leaving. Hill and Jeff Teague are both from Indianapolis and played for the Pacers. The Pacers refused to pay Hill and Teague $20 million, they got Collison for $10 million. Pacers are happy with Collison. Kings and Timberwolves are not happy with Hill and Teague.
Joseph will be free agent and asking more than the $7 million he’s making now. That’s why the Pacers took Oladipo over Greg Harris. Both Hoosiers. They knew Harris would be asking for big contract and Oladipo is better than he is.
Make that Gary Harris.
The Pacers finally have an unselfish team with good chemistry, why screw it up. What does Denver have to offer? Nothing the Pacers want.
I wonder if a Chandler/Mudiay package for Collison would interest either party.
Not money wise. Pacers are looking for players who want to be in Indy awhile. Mudiay is a bust.
Nuggets shld come up with a package to get Kemba Walker instead.
Mudiay,Farid plus pick