Fansided

Will Barton stays in Denver on a four-year deal

By Jeremy Lambert

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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Will Barton signs a four-year deal to remain with the Denver Nuggets. Now the Nuggets will be working the trade lines.

Reports of the Denver Nuggets being unwilling to spend money were greatly exaggerated. After locking up Nikola Jokic with a max deal, the Nuggets retained the services of Will Barton. Yahoo’s Chris Mannix reports that Barton and the Nuggets have agreed to a four-year deal worth $54 million. He will have a player option in the fourth year.

The 27-year-old guard averaged 15.7 points, 4.1 assists, and 5 rebounds in 81 games last season. He split time between starting and coming off the bench due to injuries to Gary Harris and Wilson Chandler.

It didn’t look like the Nuggets would have the money to keep Barton. The Indiana Pacers were a rumored suitor for his skills.

Now, the work begins for Denver. They have $145 million in guaranteed salary heading into the season. That’s over $20 million over the luxury tax line. They’re reportedly shopping Kenneth Faried ($13 million) and Wilson Chandler ($12.8 million), but they’ve been reportedly shopping those two for about three years now. Mason Plumlee and his $12.9 million salary are also in trade talks.

The Nuggets are heavy on frontcourt players with Paul Millsap, Jokic, Faried, Plumlee, and newly drafted Michael Porter Jr. There’s only so much playing time to go around for those guys. They need guard depth to help take the pressure off of Jamal Murray and Harris.

Next: NBA Free Agency 2018 Tracker: Latest rumors, trades and signings

The market is officially open, NBA fans. Get ready to see more massive contracts handed out in the next 24 hours.

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