3 NBA free agent signings that would be a huge mistake

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Jun 4, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown (11) controls the ball against the Miami Heat in the second quarter in game two of the 2023 NBA Finals at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA free agent signings that would be a mistake: 2. Nuggets not keeping Bruce Brown and opting to find a cheaper replacement

The Denver Nuggets are currently in the NBA Finals, three games away from an NBA championship thanks in no small part to Bruce Brown. His defense and offensive versatility have been very key and he is in line for a big raise after playing the way he has this season.

Brown was signed last season for the mid-level exception and has a player option for next season. He will most likely decline that option and go into free agency this offseason — even if he wants to stay in Denver this will give him an opportunity to sign a longer deal with a higher salary. If the Nuggets weren’t able to keep Brown this offseason, that would be a huge mistake. No matter if they win a title or not, Denver has a chance to run it back next tear with all of their major pieces.

Things will start to get complicated when Kentavious Caldwell Pope goes into free agency the season after (he has a player option that he will most likely decline) but the Nuggets have a chance to keep the party going for one more season and they should opt to do no matter the cost.

The Nuggets could choose to sign a cheaper replacement for Brown, one that will most likely fit into their cap exceptions. This option would not be ideal due to the fact NBA title windows are short.

Even though it seems like the Nuggets have a long run of title-contending with Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola Jokic under contract for the next several years, the party always ends before it seems like it is going to end. They should make the best of it by re-signing Brown no matter the cost.

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