Former Lottery Pick Could Hurt Denver’s Financial Flexibility

The Denver Nuggets signed Dario Saric in the summer of 2024 hoping he would bring some veteran presence and serve as a quality backup big man. Yet, he has played only 16 games so far. The coaching staff doesn’t have much trust in the former runner-up for Rookie of the Year. While there are rumors that Saric might leave the NBA for Europe, he mentioned that he plans to exercise his player option.

Former Lottery Pick Could Hurt Denver’s Financial Flexibility

After a strong season with the Golden State Warriors during the 2023-24 season, the Nuggets viewed Saric as a quality bench option. But, his numbers are down across the board, and he has failed to find a rhythm.

Recently, he talked about the possibility of staying with Denver next season. While this season is far from over, players have until June 29 to make a decision. They can either exercise their player option or opt out. Saric is one of two players with a player option for next season in Denver. The other is Russell Westbrook, who is playing for only $3.3 million this season and has an option for $3.4 million next season. Unlike Saric, Westbrook has found a role with the team.

“I didn’t sign a contract with nobody,” Saric said when discussing his current situation. “Obviously, I still have a contract with Denver at the end of this season, my option for next year. So you know, me and my family didn’t decide yet. I’m still kind of going through this season, and when the season is done, I’m going to see with my family what’s the best thing, what’s the best choice for me. … I really don’t (know) myself what’s the right choice for me in this moment.”

Saric’s Options in Europe

In Europe, there were rumors that teams like Real Madrid and Dubai Basketball might be interested in signing Saric. But as he clarified, he has yet to sign a contract with anybody.

He did mention that there is a possibility of returning to Europe. But if he wants to go back overseas, exercising his player option would risk that opportunity. If he opts in, the Nuggets would have to buy out his NBA contract or trade him to a team that will buy him out. That is the only way for him to sign elsewhere and join a club in Europe.

Dario Saric’s Player Option and Financial Implications

Dario Saric has a player option at $5.4 million for next year. Without his contract, the Nuggets would be just below the first-apron for next season, projected to be $195.9 million With his contract, they have $199.5 million tied in salary. Being over the first apron has huge implications on teams and their financial flexibility.

For example, teams over the first apron have to send the same salary they receive in trades. They also cannot sign bought-out players who made more than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. Additionally, teams above the first apron cannot acquire a player in a sign-and-trade if that player keeps them above the apron.

But maybe most important, teams above the first apron get a lower value mid-level exception. If Saric decides to move to Europe and opts out of his player option, the Nuggets will have three open roster spots, $13 million to use below the second-apron, and a lot more financial flexibility.