Appealing Chicago Bulls FA targets on one is talking about: Will Barton
One of the two veteran impending free agents on this list, the Denver Nuggets veteran 30-year-old shooting guard/small forward Will Barton is going to be one of the more intriguing on the open market this summer. But the Nuggets season did just come to a disappointing early end following a series sweep in the second round in the Western Conference at the hands of the Phoenix Suns this week.
There is very likely to be some roster movement for the Nuggets this offseason in the wake of the post-Karnisovas era with that front office in the Mile High City. And while it’s clear that the Nuggets would be smart to build around the 2020-21 NBA MVP and superstar big man Nikola Jokic moving forward, other key pieces could be moved around this summer.
It doesn’t feel like the Nuggets are all too likely to want to re-sign Barton this summer. He might try to find a change of scenery and finally get over that postseason hump that eluded him with the Nuggets. But he also has that elusive connection with Karnsiovas and some other key figures in the former Nuggets front office (now with the Bulls) that could link him to Chicago this year.
Barton likely could have a contract that the Bulls keep in the seven figures for his next deal. They could also fill a need in the rotation, especially if they decide to let Valentine go while adding some valuable veteran depth. Baton is a two-way wing that is pretty consistently underrated during the long time that he spent in Denver. But that time could finally be coming to an end.