The Denver Nuggets are shaping a roster that looks close to its final form as training camp approaches. Recent moves have locked in guard Tyus Jones and forward Marvin Bagley III, while the likely returns of wing prospects Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones add depth. The team also added the 35th-overall pick Trevon Brazile, filling fourteen of the traditional roster spots and leaving a single vacancy for a veteran presence.
Denver’s payroll already brushes the luxury-tax threshold, which limits flexibility for additional contracts. The most notable recent change was the departure of Tim Hardaway Jr., who agreed to a one-year deal with the Miami Heat. Hardaway’s exit creates a clear hole in the second-unit scoring that the Nuggets will need to address, especially given his role as a primary perimeter threat during his lone season in Denver.
The player most likely to fill that hole is eight-year veteran guard Gary Trent Jr. Trent brings a blend of three-point shooting and defensive versatility that aligns with Denver’s spacing-oriented offense. His experience across multiple systems equips him to slot into the Nuggets’ motion-heavy sets without a steep learning curve, providing instant floor-spacing for Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. while also offering reliable bench production.
Beyond pure skill set, Trent’s profile matches the Nuggets’ strategic approach of quietly bolstering the bench with role players rather than chasing marquee names. Adding a veteran on a one-year minimum contract preserves salary-cap flexibility and maintains the chemistry that propelled Denver to a championship. The move would also address the scoring void left by Hardaway, giving the coaching staff a dependable scoring punch when the starters rest.
If Denver moves forward with Trent, the signing would be completed before opening night, allowing him to participate in rookie minicamp and preseason practices. Early integration gives the coaching staff ample time to weave him into both offensive sets and defensive schemes, ensuring the team starts the season with a full, balanced roster.