Austin Rivers

After signing a three-year, $10M deal with the New York Knicks prior to the start of the season, Austin Rivers was a part of a three-team deal at the trade deadline that resulted in him being sent to Oklahoma City and then bought out of his contract. 

He was expected to have a key role with the Knicks in their second-unit this season, but after being outplayed by rookie guard Immanuel Quickley and then getting injured, the Knicks decided to move Rivers to give more time to some of their younger players. 

Now, Austin Rivers has been playing the “waiting game” in free agency, but could have a gig with the Nuggets soon enough. Jamal Murray going down opens up the door for Rivers to have another opportunity to prove himself in this league. 

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Over the course of his career, Austin Rivers has always been a valuable backup guard and he could definitely make a difference in Denver. Now in his 9th season in the league, Rivers has averaged 9.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists over the course of his career, while shooting 34.9% from three-point range. 

The veteran guard has been a part of numerous playoff teams throughout his career, most recently with the Houston Rockets, and has the experience necessary to be an impactful bench player for the Nuggets. The only question that remains is if Denver wants him or someone else. 

The Nuggets do have an open roster spot and intend on filling this spot now with Jamal Murray out for the year. Austin Rivers has been a name rumored to be a target of the Nuggets and now, with them really needing another guard, this move makes a ton of sense for them to make.