Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 potential destinations for Will Barton

By Bryan Harvey

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 4: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets shoots the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on December 4, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – DECEMBER 4: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets shoots the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on December 4, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Dallas Mavericks

Barton could play alongside either Harrison Barnes or Wesley Matthews. His offensive versatility allows him to play either spot on the wing. Also, Dallas is not particularly deep at either spot, and Matthews’ contract is off the books at the end of this upcoming season. A trio of Dennis Smith, Barnes and Barton would definitely be able to score buckets in the seasons to follow, whether those buckets would win games or not would be the question in need of answering.

A streakiness persists in Barton’s game, as does skepticism about his defense. Still, he’s a productive player who fits with the roster and Dallas is a team well under the cap. The real issue would be just how much of that cap space should be given to a player like Barton.

While his career numbers continue to climb, all players reach a plateau. In the last month of the season, when starting for the Nuggets, Barton scored over 20 points a game. Is that what his production could be as a starter in this league? Dallas isn’t exactly adding window dressings to their team, but still building the frame. What Barton is to such a team is very much up for debate.

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