Apr 3, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) reacts with center Nikola Jokic (15) against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Nuggets Favorite, Ex-NBA Star Signs With Unexpected Team

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI | By Grant Mona | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 3:14 PM ET

The latest season of the BIG3 basketball league has been eventful, surprising and explosive. The league has expanded to include city-based teams, with eight new squads, marking a shift to cater to local markets.

The league also extended its schedule to 11 weeks, and for the first time, the top two teams will compete for a $1 million bonus in addition to their regular-season salaries.

With new additions such as Dwight Howard, Montrezl Harrell, Wesley Johnson, Michael Beasley, and Lance Stephenson, the league is having its best year yet.

Lance Stephenson and Dwight Howard go at it

(h/t @Adriel_Smiley)pic.twitter.com/CQyHKcyy4A
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 14, 2025

Howard and Stephenson got into a major brawl in the first week of the league, and Jordan Crawford had an altercation with Stephenson as well. Even the coaches, such as Stephon Jackson, have gotten into heated exchanges during games.

Look around the league, and there will be former NBA stars everywhere, with Joe Johnson leading in points per game, and Michael Beasley performing very well next to Lance Stephenson.

Michael MF Beasley.

Two cold buckets to get a @thebig3 W pic.twitter.com/E21RiFHhsr
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 13, 2025

A new report by new BIG3 reporter and insider Chris Haynes revealed that a former Nuggets fan favorite is signing a deal with the BIG3.

"BIG3 News: 11-year NBA guard Will ‘The Thrill’ Barton has reached an agreement with DMV Trilogy and will be in lineup this Sunday to make his debut vs. Detroit Amps on [CBS Sports], sources tell me. Major addition to [the BIG3]," Haynes said.

BIG3 News: 11-year NBA guard Will ‘The Thrill’ Barton has reached an agreement with DMV Trilogy and will be in lineup this Sunday to make his debut vs. Detroit Amps on @CBSSports, sources tell me. Major addition to @thebig3. pic.twitter.com/0sx23CfdsV
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 18, 2025

Barton was a crucial part of the Nuggets' rise to playoff contention year in and year out in the mid-2010s and early 2020s. He played in 11 seasons in the NBA and 7 with the Denver Nuggets, before playing for Liga ACB in Spain and CBA in China.