Nuggets’ Will Barton on looming free agent deadline: “Anything is possible”
Nuggets veteran Will Barton guarded his intentions like he was locking up an opponents’ best player.
Barton, who must decide whether to pick up his $14.6 million player option by July 17, was careful not to tip his hand Sunday while speaking to reporters ahead of his celebrity softball All-Star appearance.
When asked where he expects to be next season, a grin crawled across Barton’s face.
“Playing in the NBA,” he said.
Where do you want to be?
“Still in the NBA,” he said in jest while donning a personalized Rockies “Thrill” jersey.
Just caught up with Thrill ahead of the celebrity All-Star softball game.
His prediction: “We’re gonna win. That’s the prediction. I’m gonna win MVP.” pic.twitter.com/prbZ5fOl5b
— Mike Singer (@msinger) July 11, 2021
Following the Nuggets’ second-round sweep by the Suns, Barton said he wanted to be valued when asked about his potential free-agent future. He reiterated that stance Sunday.
“Being appreciated,” he said. “Team knowing my value. Of course, an important role. Just the right situation. I want to win.”
Barton, who had just returned from vacation in Dubai and the Maldives, said he needed a break after what turned into a taxing season. Had Jamal Murray not torn his ACL, Barton said, the Nuggets would’ve still been playing in the Finals.
“(We’re) winning it,” he said.
If Barton opts out of his contract, there’s still a possibility he could remain in Denver on an extension. In fact, that could be the best-case scenario for the Nuggets, who badly need his playmaking out of the backcourt.
Barton averaged 12.7 points on 38% 3-point shooting this past season. He was limited to three games in the playoffs due to a hamstring injury.
The Nuggets won’t have much flexibility in free agency, and only have healthy regular guards Monte Morris, Facundo Campazzo and P.J. Dozier under contract to start next season. Retaining Barton, a move coach Michael Malone endorsed, should be a priority.
But Barton was careful not to divulge where his head was at.
“Anything is possible,” he said. “I can’t rule out anything. Right situation presents itself, who knows? Just gotta do what’s best for me.”
