How Nuggets Should Fill Every Open Roster Spot Remaining

The Denver Nuggets are in the midst of a pivotal offseason, and one thing potentially holding them back that could affect them in the future is their tight salary cap. The Nuggets are a team that is just above the first apron and close to the second apron. 

It's been reported that the Nuggets are also at risk of paying a big fine due to the financial penalties of going against the second apron, making it hard for them to build their roster this summer. 

Denver has been rumored to be a team that's looking for trade partners, as they could be looking to trade the likes of Cameron Johnson and Christian Braun. Each player in the Nuggets' starting lineup is currently on a big contract, and trading one of them could help them get out of this tricky salary cap situation. 

Regardless of how the money looks, the Denver Nuggets must prioritize bringing back guard Peyton Watson on a long-term deal. Watson had a breakout year last season, and with Denver getting knocked out of the playoffs in the first round this year, having a player like Watson can give them a new sense of urgency they haven't had. 

While Denver has a talented roster on paper, not only are the players starting to get older, but they're also underperforming. Christian Braun is a player who struggled to shoot the ball from three-point range this past season, and since he gets paid $25 million a year, it's hard for the Nuggets to find a trade partner for him. 

Another free agent the Nuggets should consider pursuing is DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan is likely getting a veteran minimum contract from whoever signs him this summer, and DeRozan could fit into this roster well. 

DeRozan is still a 20-point-per-game scorer, and he could be a valuable asset off the bench for the Nuggets moving forward. Last season, Tim Hardaway Jr. was the veteran piece who was seen as a pivotal player off the bench, and having DeRozan would put them in a similar situation next season. 

Denver doesn't have much flexibility on what they can do since they are so close to the second apron, so adding players on the veteran minimum could be their best option to strengthen their roster this summer. 

The Nuggets still have time to move off certain pieces this summer, but it will be important for them to free up space to fill out the rest of their roster spots.