According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Denver Nuggets have joined the Milwaukee Bucks in pursuit of former Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson.
The Denver Nuggets have joined the Milwaukee Bucks in the pursuit of forward Richard Jefferson, league sources told ESPN.
Jefferson is expected to clear waivers at 5 p.m. ET Monday and become an unrestricted free agent.
Denver has registered its interest in Jefferson, 37, although Milwaukee remains the most aggressive in its recruitment of him, league sources said. There are believed to be three or four teams serious about signing Jefferson, league sources told ESPN.
As Woj notes, the Nuggets have 15 guaranteed roster spots and both two-way contracts reserved for Torrey Craig and Monte Morris, so signing Jefferson would involve moving one of the players on the 15-man roster to open up a spot.
Jefferson, 37 years old, spent the last two seasons with the Cavaliers, playing an integral role as a bench forward and locker room presence. He was traded just a few days ago, along with Kay Felder and two second round picks, to the Atlanta Hawks in a salary/roster spot dump to clear the way for Dwyane Wade to sign with the Cavs. LeBron James, Kevin Love, and Channing Frye have been vocal in their support of Jefferson and his importance to the 2015-16 championship winning team a couple of seasons ago.
Jefferson averaged 5.7 points and 2.6 rebounds last year and has spaced the floor effectively, shooting 35.7% from behind the three-point line in his two years in Cleveland.
As Woj also notes in his report, “Nuggets president and governor Josh Kroenke enjoys a strong friendship with Jefferson, and Jefferson could be one more veteran contributor and influence to a Denver team trying to reach the Western Conference playoffs.”
My take: I think Jefferson would be a great addition to the roster. He plays the small forward position and would be better insurance for a Wilson Chandler injury than Torrey Craig. Along with Paul Millsap, he knows how to win at a high level and is touted for his professionalism. He would be a great addition to the team even if he didn’t play every game, simply because of his ability to teach the young guys how to improve every day.
Denver Stiffs will have updates throughout the week as more Richard Jefferson news develops.