The Denver Nuggets are discussing a contract extension with guard Will Barton, according to Chris Hayes of ESPN.
Barton has been a member of the Nuggets since he was traded by the Portland Trail Blazers midway through the 2014-15 season. Since joining the Nuggets, Barton has been Denver’s go-to scoring punch coming off the bench.
As a member of the Nuggets, Barton has experienced tremendous growth as a player. More playing time and freedom within his game have allowed him to increase his field goal percentage on a yearly basis.
Barton is averaging 13.6 points, 2.7 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per contest as a member of the Nuggets. Barton is currently in the last year of a three-year, $10-million-dollar contract he signed back in 2015.
While playing in a contract year is sometimes a negative for players, it’s actually motivating Barton to take his game to new heights.
“That’s just another thing I’m ready to embrace,” Barton told Aniello Piro and Jeff Morton of Mile High Sports at Nuggets media day. “It’s not just about the contract, about the money. It’s just about me showing that I’m one of the best in the league. That’s what it is for me personally. I’m ready to take on the challenge. I feel like this is the time for me; [I’m] at a point in my career where I’m ready to really take off and in beginning of my prime. I have goals of being a starter and just seeing how far I can take it.”
Barton will be one of the Nuggets’ first options off the bench among guards; however, following the departure of Danilo Gallinari, Barton may also see a hefty amount of playing time at the small forward position this coming season.
