The Nuggets haven't locked down a new guard quite yet.
The Denver Nuggets seemingly bulked out their backcourt depth by signing Lonnie Walker IV per recent report from Shams Charania, who reported that Walker IV was signing a one-year, $3.3 million deal, but a new report from the Denver Post has shed some new light on the specifics of the deal.
Per a new report from Bennett Durando, Walker IV's contract is a training camp deal, leading Walker IV to compete for a roster spot leading to Walker IV to compete for a roster spot ahead of next season.
The specifics of the deal mean that the Nuggets still have two outright roster spots available, which gives the Nuggets some more flexibility to further address their roster construction, which is vital for the Nuggets considering their limited financial situation and their current place in the second apron ahead of the regular season.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Lonnie Walker IV (16) controls the ball against the Chicago Bulls in the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Kyle Ross-Imagn ImagesNuggets Need Guards
However, not having another secured guard is concerning for the Nuggets concerning their limited guard depth. They do need to add several more guards and even if Walker IV wasn't going to be a hugely impactful,
With the news that Walker IV's contract is much smaller than originally reported, the Nuggets do have some extra flexibility before they're too far into the second apron to the point where they can't recover even if they were to manage trades involving some of their pricier assets, but they'll still need to act fast to address the remaining issues in their roster.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Lonnie Walker IV (16) jumps to pass the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Kyle Ross-Imagn ImagesNext season is shaping up to be a make-or-break kind of year for the Nuggets where they can prove that they're still in a place to be contenders, not just to the rest of the league, but to star Nikola Jokic, who is yet to sign a contract extension with the team.
A Slow Offseason
Possibly adding Walker IV, who is looking to work his way back to the NBA after playing overseas last season, isn't the most impactful move that the Nuggets could make, but it's at last a step forward in an offseason that's been defined by the Nuggets' inactivity and budget constraints.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Lonnie Walker IV (16) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesThere's still a lot of work to be done and more roster spots to be filled for Denver, and they're running out of both time and budget in order to do so.
The league around them has only continued to improve and as much as the talent of Jokic and Jamal Murray is something that can be relied on, it can't be relied on forever.
