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NBA Free Agency 2017: 5 offseason needs for the Denver Nuggets

By Adam Stocker

Dec 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) and guard Jamal Murray (27) in the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Pepsi Center. The 76ers won 124-122. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) and guard Jamal Murray (27) in the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Pepsi Center. The 76ers won 124-122. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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April 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) moves the ball against Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
April 25, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) moves the ball against Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) during the first half in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Chasing a max free agent

The Denver Nuggets do not have a player on their roster that can be depended on to score when the game is on the line in the last-minute. With the third-most cap space available, the Nuggets can offer a max money contract to any available for a free agent. With the money available, Denver needs to get an interview and make an offer to Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, or Blake Griffin. All four may be longshots, but if they can land one they instantly become a playoff team.

Curry will ultimately re-sign with Golden State, Durant has a player option that he may or may not opt out of. While possible it is unlikely that Denver can sign either Paul or Griffin. The odds of signing either player is not great but the Nuggets still need to make an offer.

The most likely max free agent that Denver can sign is Blake Griffin. The Clippers may make major changes to their team after yet another early playoff exit. To blow things up, Los Angeles needs to create salary cap space. Griffin would have a domino effect on the Nuggets. Signing Griffin would be an immediate upgrade and allow Denver to trade Kenneth Faried.

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