The Nuggets can decline Nikola Jokic’s team option, make him a restricted free agent and secure their franchise player long-term this summer.
The catch: Giving Jokic a big raise would vault Denver into the luxury tax next season.
So, the Nuggets are trying to trade Kenneth Faried ($13,764,045 salary). They’ll also now likely look to move Darrell Arthur ($7,464,912 salary)
Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports:
Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur has exercised his $7.4M player option for the 2018-19 season, league sources tell Yahoo.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 15, 2018
If Wilson Chandler exercises his $12,800,562 player option, he could join Faried and Arthur on the trade block – though at least Chandler carries value given the scarcity of wings
Arthur is a power forward on a team and in a league overloaded with bigs. Denver also has Jokic, Paul Millsap, Mason Plumlee, Trey Lyles, Juan Hernangomez, Tyler Lydon and Faried.
Arthur barely played last season, and when he did, he didn’t show much. His defense especially appeared declined. At age 30, his productive days might be behind him.
Perhaps, his expiring contract will help facilitate a trade. The Nuggets could attach a sweetener to dump or him. Or, if it comes to it, Denver might even stretch him.