What can the Denver Nuggets do after losing Tim Hardaway Jr?
The Denver Nuggets got bad news to open free agency as they are set to lose Tim Hardaway Jr.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Tim Hardaway Jr has agreed to a one-year deal worth $6.5 million with the Miami Heat.
Hardaway Jr spent one season with the Nuggets, signing as a free agent in the 2025 offseason. He played 80 games, making six starts, averaging 13.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. He shot 40% from three on 6.9 attempts per game and finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting, his highest finish ever.
His numbers dropped in the playoffs, where he averaged 10.8 points but shot 34% from three on just 3.8 attempts.
The Loss Of Tim Hardaway Jr
Hardaway Jr was a key contributor to the Denver offense, which ranked best in the league, and their bench.
When he shared the floor with Nikola Jokic, Denver had a 125.5 offensive rating and a +9.8 net rating. Adding Jamal Murray to the mix made the Denver offense even more potent, as the trio had a 129.6 offensive rating and a +12.2 net rating.
Hardaway Jr's shooting provided that duo with elite spacing that forced opponents to pick their poison during the regular season.
The Nuggets also had a cheat code with Jokic, Murray, Hardaway Jr, and Aaron Gordon on the floor as they had a 143.6 offensive rating and a +38.5 net rating, but they played only 101 minutes together.
Though his performance dropped in the playoffs, no one on Denver was able to rise to the occasion against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Hardaway Jr was far from the biggest disappointment.
What's Next For Denver?
It's going to be difficult to replace Hardaway Jr as Denver only has access to the taxpayer mid-level exception (approx $5 million), but that hard caps them at the second apron.
They can offer the veteran's minimum, which some players might be willing to take for the chance to compete for a title and play alongside Nikola Jokic.
Denver needs to find shooting off the bench to replace Hardaway Jr's production, but given their money constraints, that'll be easier said than done. Seth Curry could be an option as he tries to bounce back from an injury-plagued season, and Gary Trent Jr might be interested in competing after how last season in Milwaukee went.
Bradley Beal might be a low-risk option if he's looking for an opportunity after a hip injury caused him to miss almost the entirety of the 2025-26 season.
There are always trade options, though Denver could be trading Cameron Johnson, one of their better shooters in an effort to shed salary to make way for Peyton Watson's likely extension.
At the end of the day, losing Hardaway Jr is a big blow for Denver, not only because of his production, but because they have limited options to replace him.
