The Denver Nuggets decided they won’t be keeping the status quo ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season. Instead, the franchise made a big swing by trading starters Monte Morris and Will Barton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for veterans Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith.

According to reports, no draft assets were included in the deal, making it a player swap.

The Nuggets’ decision to part ways with Morris and Barton might seem odd, especially considering that both players started 70+ games last season. Morris finished the 2021-22 campaign with career averages in points (12.6), rebounds (3.0), and assists (4.4). Barton averaged 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.

However, some might say that their prominence resulted from injuries Denver battled. The franchise expects its true starters to be ready for next season and can argue that Caldwell-Pope’s defense and three-point shooting is a better fit for their roster. Also, it came down to finances as the team is bracing itself for the effects of the supermax deal they gave to back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic.

On the other hand, it is clear to see why the Wizards took this deal. It addresses a position of need, with Morris projected to be the team’s starting point guard once the season starts. Barton is a great depth addition who could also serve as a trade piece down the line.

The post Nuggets Trade Starters Monte Morris, Will Barton to Wizards in a 4-Player Trade appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Denver Nuggets reportedly agreed to an extension with guard Monte Morris, locking another important part of their rotation for years to come.

Morris, who averaged 9 points and 3.5 assists last season, agreed to a three-year extension that will net him $27 million. He was set to become a free agent in 2021.

While the Nuggets still haven’t made the deal official, the news was confirmed to ESPN by player agent Ron Shade.

After playing four years of college basketball at Iowa State, Monte Morris was drafted by the Nuggets in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft.

He spent most of his rookie season in the G League, where he put on some remarkable performances that prompted Denver’s head coach Mike Malone to give him a more prominent role in the 2018-19 season.

Morris capitalized on his chance in the NBA, and quickly established himself as an indispensable role player for the Nuggets. He emerged as a great complementary piece in the team’s backcourt and was a great cover for Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, and Will Barton when one of the trio wasn’t able to play.

Throughout his 158 career games in the NBA so far, Morris has been averaging 9.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting an impressive 39.8 from the three-point arc.

The post Denver’s Monte Morris Gets a 3-Year, $27 Million Extension appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Denver Nuggets decided they won’t be keeping the status quo ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season. Instead, the franchise made a big swing by trading starters Monte Morris and Will Barton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for veterans Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith.

According to reports, no draft assets were included in the deal, making it a player swap.

The Nuggets’ decision to part ways with Morris and Barton might seem odd, especially considering that both players started 70+ games last season. Morris finished the 2021-22 campaign with career averages in points (12.6), rebounds (3.0), and assists (4.4). Barton averaged 14.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.

However, some might say that their prominence resulted from injuries Denver battled. The franchise expects its true starters to be ready for next season and can argue that Caldwell-Pope’s defense and three-point shooting is a better fit for their roster. Also, it came down to finances as the team is bracing itself for the effects of the supermax deal they gave to back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic.

On the other hand, it is clear to see why the Wizards took this deal. It addresses a position of need, with Morris projected to be the team’s starting point guard once the season starts. Barton is a great depth addition who could also serve as a trade piece down the line.

The post Nuggets Trade Starters Monte Morris, Will Barton to Wizards in a 4-Player Trade appeared first on SportzBonanza.

The Denver Nuggets reportedly agreed to an extension with guard Monte Morris, locking another important part of their rotation for years to come.

Morris, who averaged 9 points and 3.5 assists last season, agreed to a three-year extension that will net him $27 million. He was set to become a free agent in 2021.

While the Nuggets still haven’t made the deal official, the news was confirmed to ESPN by player agent Ron Shade.

After playing four years of college basketball at Iowa State, Monte Morris was drafted by the Nuggets in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft.

He spent most of his rookie season in the G League, where he put on some remarkable performances that prompted Denver’s head coach Mike Malone to give him a more prominent role in the 2018-19 season.

Morris capitalized on his chance in the NBA, and quickly established himself as an indispensable role player for the Nuggets. He emerged as a great complementary piece in the team’s backcourt and was a great cover for Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, and Will Barton when one of the trio wasn’t able to play.

Throughout his 158 career games in the NBA so far, Morris has been averaging 9.6 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting an impressive 39.8 from the three-point arc.

The post Denver’s Monte Morris Gets a 3-Year, $27 Million Extension appeared first on SportzBonanza.