Report: Washington Wizards targeting Nuggets' forward Darrell Arthur

CSN Mid-Atlantic is reporting that the Washington Wizards are interested in Denver Nuggets’ free agent Darrell Arthur. The versatile combo forward opted out of his $2.9 million contract to test free agency, though he’s made it clear he’d like to return to Denver.

Washington’s interest could drive up the price for Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly. The Wizards are looking to add another stretch forward that can knock down threes, to back up Markieff Morris. New Wizards head coach Scott Brooks helped develop Serge Ibaka into a 3-point shooting stretch-4 in Oklahoma City and maybe fancies Arthur in a similar role off the bench.

Arthur played in 70 games for the Nuggets last season, averaging 7.5 points and 4.2 rebounds while shooting 39 percent from three.

The 28-year-old was one of coach Michael Malone’s favorites throughout last season. Arthur averaged more fourth-quarter minutes than Kenneth Faried and routinely closed games for the Nuggets.

Arthur is listed as BSN’s 13th-best frontcourt free agent available this summer.