2:26pm: Whittington’s two-way deal is now official, per a press release from the Nuggets.
2:02pm: The Nuggets are signing free agent forward Greg Whittington to a two-way contract, agent Jerry Dianis told Hoops Rumors. Denver finalized the agreement with Whittington on Tuesday, making him the second two-way player on the team’s roster, alongside Markus Howard.
[RELATED: 2020/21 NBA Two-Way Contract Tracker]
Whittington, a versatile 6’9″ forward, spent the past two seasons playing overseas in Turkey and Israel. He averaged 12.4 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in 14 EuroCup contests with Galatasaray last season, shooting 52.8% from behind the arc.
Prior to reaching an agreement with the Nuggets, Whittington turned down multiple offers from interested NBA and EuroLeague teams, his agent said.
“We chose this team because it was abundantly obvious that Greg has an immediate pathway to playing time for a championship-caliber team,” Dianis explained, “and that gives him the chance to significantly increase his future value.”
Denver lost forwards Jerami Grant (Pistons), Torrey Craig (Bucks), and Keita Bates-Diop (Spurs) this month, creating an appealing fit for Whittington on the team. The 27-year-old, who can play and defend multiple positions, is expected to provide frontcourt depth for a club that reached the Western Conference Finals this past season.
Two-way rules have been tweaked for 2020/21, allowing players to be activated for 50 of their teams’ 72 games, rather than being limited to 45 days spent in total. In addition, players will receive flat salaries of $449K, rather than receive a salary based on how many NBA days they played. Denver is one of two NBA teams without a G League affiliate — the other being Portland.
Whittington went undrafted back in 2015 after spending two seasons at Georgetown. He later joined the Heat for Summer League, attended training camp in the fall, and helped the team’s G League affiliate win a championship that season. In addition to Turkey, he’s also made stops in Australia, Sioux Falls, Japan and Israel.
We first reported on Saturday that the Nuggets were the favorites to sign Whittington.
Two way at 27? That is why it is always good to an agent who is 100% with you.
I was high on him in summer league like 5 years ago. Hard to believe he is already that old, but if he has improved on what I remember from then, he could be a really good addition for someone. Thought he was impressive on both sides of the ball, especially defensively. Versatile, lengthy, athletic, and knocked down shots too. Surprised it has taken so long for him to get another NBA look
The Heat could have used some of his qualities at the 4/3 spots, and know him well from being in their system, so I wouldnt be surprised if they were interested in him. I could also see several teams that could use the versatility and length on the wing, and at that 4 spot that probably were in on him, but maybe I’m wrong
I’m surprised he ended up with only a 2 way deal, but he isnt the only one I can say that about
….should theoretically be a good addition for them on the wing, where they could use help before they lost Torrey Craig