Jameer Nelson re-ups with Denver Nuggets + other free agency news

It’s been a busy last few days for the Denver Nuggets. Between extending Wilson Chandler, re-signing Will Barton and partaking in the Las Vegas Summer League, the Nuggets rumor mill has certainly been abuzz. And now, thanks to ESPN.com’s Marc Stein, we have another breaking news story, this time regarding Jameer Nelson:

ESPN sources say Jameer Nelson has landed three-year, $13.5M from Denver, while Jokic (2014 second-rounder) gets four-year deal worth $5.5M

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 13, 2015

Entering free agency Nelson was vocal about his desire to secure playing time. At 33, Nelson still feels he can play at a high level; apparently the Nuggets do as well. Yet as is often the case in life, when one question is answered another arises, and for the Nuggets this newly formed query revolves around none other than Ty Lawson.

Put simply: The Nuggets aren’t paying Jameer Nelson nearly $5 million per year to play third-string point guard. That’s just not how salaries work in the NBA. At this new rate Nelson is clearly set to remain in the rotation, either as a starting point guard or backup to Emmanuel Mudiay. No matter the case, with this signing the Nuggets have unquestionably chosen their mentor for Mudiay and now all that’s left to be determined is how long before Lawson is moved. Let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later.

In other Nuggets-related Internet content, according to Minneapolis-based insider Darren Wolfson the Nuggets are one of a few teams interested in free agent Robbie Hummel:

I’m told to add Portland to the Hummel mix. Had reported of Nuggets, Kings, + Cavs interest. Denver & Portland most interested now. #twolves — Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) July 11, 2015

Hummel was a standout All-American in his five-year tenure at Purdue, however injuries and an extreme lack of explosiveness have hindered his NBA career thus far. Still, Hummel can shoot, which as we all know is a valued commodity in today’s NBA.

In other news, BasketballInsiders.com writer Eric Pincus dropped two Nuggets-related tweets in the last 24 hours:

Apparently the Nuggets waived Jamaal Franklin @BBallInsiders — Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 13, 2015

The Nuggets also renounced the rights to Darrell Arthur, Rudy Fernandez, Ian Clark, Wesley Person and Jan Vesely @BBallInsiders — Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 13, 2015

The Franklin news is somewhat interesting considering he’s been with the Nuggets for the last handful of months and played well in the team’s opening Summer League game this past Friday. The Nuggets are also weak at the shooting guard position, which is Franklin’s territory, and were scheduled to pay him just under $1 million this upcoming season. I guess Tim Connelly and co. figure they can find better third-string shooting guards on the open market.

As for Arthur, various reports have mentioned escalating talks between his representatives and the Nuggets, however other rumors have indicated a strong mutual interest between Arthur and the Los Angeles Clippers. Given this news, the Nuggets’ depth up front and the emergence of Joffrey Lauvergne, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Arthur suit up for a team not named the Nuggets next season.

And in additional contract-negotiation news are the following tidbits courtesy of Misko Raznatovic, Nikola Jokic‘s agent, and Minnesota Timberwolves beat reporter Jerry Zgoda:

Nikola Jokic, moved from Mega Leks to NBA team, Denver Nuggets (3 plus 1 year is duration of the agreement). — Misko4Raznatovic (@MiskoRaznatovic) July 10, 2015

I’m told Denver is picking up former Wolf guard Randy Foye‘s third-year option for $3.1 million — a bargain at current market prices. — Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) July 11, 2015

Both of these reports should come as no surprise to Nuggets fans. There have been rumors Jokic would be coming to Denver for months, the only question being when. Stein’s report above indicates the Nuggets were able to secure his talents at an extremely affordable level. Foye, meanwhile, is a certified vet, standup guy all around and still one of the better long-range shooters in the NBA. Securing him for another year to provide outside shooting off the bench and indoctrinate Denver’s talented crop of youngsters for a mere $3 million is a no-brainer.

Stay tuned to BSN for more news and rumors as the free-agency cycle continues to churn.