Barton declines $14.6 million option, will enter free agency, sources say

Nuggets veteran Will Barton declined to pick up his $14.6 million player option by Saturday’s deadline, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer.

There is mutual interest, however, in Barton remaining in Denver on a new deal, two league sources told The Denver Post.

Barton’s decision not to exercise his player option, and thus enter free agency, indicates he’s hoping for a longer deal that would come with more security. NBA free agency opens Aug. 2.

Had he picked up the final year on his contract, Barton would’ve likely been the starting shooting guard for the Nuggets and been showcased in the backcourt while Jamal Murray continues his rehab. Instead, Barton can now explore his free agency options.

The Nuggets should prioritize reaching a deal with Barton, who despite various injuries, averaged 12.7 points on 38% 3-point shooting in 56 games this past season. If he leaves, the Nuggets will be even thinner in their backcourt and even more reliant on Monte Morris, Facundo Campazzo and combo guard P.J. Dozier.

Due to salary cap restrictions, the Nuggets likely won’t have the space to sign a player of Barton’s caliber in free agency. They might also be compelled to draft a shooting guard with the No. 26 pick in the July 29 draft depending on their confidence level in reaching a new deal with Barton.

Barton dealt with a hamstring injury that kept him out of the NBA Playoffs until Game 2 of the second round against Phoenix. But in Game 4, when the Nuggets got swept, Barton shattered his minutes restriction, scoring 25 points in 39 minutes.

The 30-year-old veteran first came to Denver in February 2015 as part of a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers. He re-signed with the Nuggets twice since, but could very well be joining his third NBA team this summer.