According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, the Denver Nuggets have re-signed Will Barton III to a two-year deal worth $32 million.
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report also had the initial deal in his article from this morning.
This is a good deal for both parties as it gives Barton a short-term deal with a raise, while the Nuggets now have their starting shooting guard for next season. Barton declined his $14.7 million player option a couple weeks ago, but it always felt like there was a good chance he would re-sign with the Nuggets and that Denver wanted him back.
Barton averaged 12.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 31.0 minutes per game as a starting wing for the Nuggets last season. He shot a career high 38.1% from three-point range and appeared to be flourishing as a starter next to Murray, Nikola Jokić, Porter Jr., and newcomer Aaron Gordon for short amount of time those five had together. Keeping that group together and running things back next season while adding to the edges of the roster may be Denver’s best way to win a championship.
With Monte Morris, P.J. Dozier, Facundo Campazzo, and Zeke Nnaji also under contract, Denver have other holes that can still be filled after signing Barton, but the biggest need has been filled in the short term. With Jamal Murray still recovering from ACL surgery, the Nuggets needed production and stability in their starting unit that Barton will certainly provide
The Nuggets also drafted Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland last week, and even though he may be able to contribute as early as next season there is no reason to rush a rookie shooting guard. Because of that it felt like a must for the Nuggets to bring Barton back and plus he will be a great mentor for Hyland considering it feels like the two already have a great relationship.
Congratulations to Barton and the Nuggets on coming to terms on an extension!
