The Denver Nuggets are already known for chasing bargain free-agent deals, having signed Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown to one-year minimum contracts last summer. As the offseason approaches, the front office is again looking for a low-cost wing who can complement Nikola Jokic’s playmaking. While a 3-and-D wing like Keon Ellis could fit the defensive blueprint, the Nuggets’ radar also lands on former Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard.

Kennard’s primary selling point is his elite three-point shooting. He led the league in three-point percentage multiple times, posting a remarkable 47.8% in the 2025-26 season. By comparison, the Nuggets’ own best shooters, Jamal Murray at 43.5% and Cameron Johnson at 43.0%, still trail his accuracy. Jokic thrives on finding open shooters, and a player who thrives on selective, open looks could thrive in Denver’s three-point-heavy offense.

Defensively, Kennard is a step down from a dedicated 3-and-D wing, but he is not a liability. He finished fifth in Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2021-22 with the Los Angeles Clippers and has averaged 9.6 points per game off the bench over his career. With healthy contributors like Peyton Watson and Aaron Gordon already providing wing defense, Kennard’s modest defensive shortcomings can be offset by the team’s collective effort.

From a salary-cap perspective, Kennard fits the Nuggets’ template of securing a nine-year veteran on a minimum contract. That approach preserves cap flexibility while adding a high-percentage shooter who can stretch defenses. The timing is critical; the free-agency clock opens soon, and the Nuggets must move quickly to lock in a deal before other suitors emerge.

If Denver secures Kennard, the logical next step is to pair him with another minimum-value player who can bolster the team’s defensive core. Precious Achiuwa, who is also expected to be available on a modest contract, could provide the needed rim protection and rebounding. Together, the two could give the Nuggets a balanced blend of shooting and defense without sacrificing financial flexibility.

Should the plan materialize, Jokic would gain another reliable perimeter option, potentially raising the team’s three-point efficiency even further. In a league where spacing is paramount, adding a shooter of Kennard’s caliber could be the hidden gem that keeps Denver competitive while adhering to its bargain-hunter philosophy.