3 Buyout Targets Nuggets Should Chase After Trade Deadline

If the Nuggets wanted to find a veteran backup point guard to fill in behind Jamal Murray, Mike Conley could be a player worth looking in the direction of after being traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to now being cut from the Charlotte Hornets.

Conley wasn't quite the same player this season as he was in his last couple of years in Minnesota. Now at age 38, he fell out of favor in the Timberwolves' starting rotation, averaging under 19 minutes a game to average 4.4 points and 2.9 assists.

In Denver, his spot as a nightly contributor in the rotation isn't guaranteed, and once the playoffs hit, the Nuggets probably won’t fit him into a regular nine-man lineup. But as a quality, experienced veteran who could be an effective facilitator in a pinch, there could be some lingering interest to use their final roster spot on him.

2. Haywood Highsmith, SF

Highsmith has yet to play a game this season. He's been out with a lingering knee injury he's been recovering from since earlier this offseason, and while he's been trending to make his return later this month, he has just recently found a place on the free agent market after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets.

But if fully healthy for the second half of this season and any playoff run that he may be a part of, the Nuggets should definitely take an interest. Highsmith is a quality wing defender at 6'5" with a 7-foot wingspan, and was a consistent rotational player for the Miami Heat for the last two seasons, averaging over 20 minutes a night for 6.5 points on 45.8/38.2/72.1 splits.

The Nuggets have a few nice 3&D threats on the wing as is, but adding one more into the equation certainly wouldn't hurt, especially when factoring in the plenty of injuries they've suffered at the forward spot throughout the year thus far.

3. Georges Niang, PF

If the Nuggets wanted to add on a quality shooter from the buyout market, there might be none better available than Georges Niang, who was just dealt from the Utah Jazz to the Memphis Grizzlies to be quickly waived.

Niang has been hurt all season with a lingering foot injury suffered in the offseason that he's still recovering from, so a signing does bank on his health turning a positive corner for the Nuggets to have confidence in signing him. But if he is 100% for a second half push, there's value to be had for any team headed to the playoffs.

Last season splitting time with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks, Niang shot over 40% on the season for the sixth time in his career (40.6%), averaged a career-high 9.9 points per game, and could be a plug-and-play lineup fit who can space the floor with worthwhile experience.

Again, his health is the number one factor to keep an eye on. But if he's recovered, the Nuggets could send over a veteran minimum for even more shooting than they have on the roster as is.