The Denver Nuggets are weighing a guard upgrade, eyeing a 23-year-old playmaker from the Western Conference after Westbrook exits this summer.
Denver’s backcourt depth has been a focal point this offseason as the rotation is reimagined. The Nuggets want more punch and versatility at guard to complement their star and keep pace with a deeper Western Conference.
With Westbrook declining his $3.5 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign and not expected back in Denver, the door opens for a new face to surface in the backcourt.
Jalen Pickett is in line to back up Murray, a setup that could rewrite the guard rotation if he earns more minutes. The team is weighing options to ensure the rotation remains dynamic and unafraid to push pace when the moment calls.
Pickett flashed potential last season and even posted a triple-double in one of his four starts during the 2024-25 campaign, signaling the ceiling the Nuggets believe he can reach with the right developmental path and opportunities.
But the Nuggets won’t rush him into a larger role without a plan to manage the minutes and the defensive demands. The front office knows the balance between development and immediate contribution will shape every decision this offseason.
That is where a young guard candidate like Devin Carter might fit. The organization is reportedly weighing several guard options to add depth and competition for minutes behind Murray.
Carter, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, drew attention for his early rookie-season flashes and showed he can transition to a higher level when given a chance.
Landing him would require balancing development with immediate contribution, especially as the backcourt plays a pivotal role in Denver’s offense and defense.
As training camp approaches in less than two weeks, the Nuggets will weigh their options and potentially pull the trigger on a move that reshapes the rotation.
The pursuit isn’t a panic move; it’s a calculated bid to preserve momentum and keep the title window firmly open, even as the guard market shows signs of volatility.