With much of the dust already settled on the free-agent market, the Nuggets made their move Thursday for one of the top names left on the shelf.
They agreed to sign Memphis point guard Earl Watson to a five-year deal believed to be worth about $29.3 million. The Nuggets also retained shooting guards Greg Buckner and DerMarr Johnson with one-year contracts.
Denver was rarely mentioned publicly close to Watson’s name as Cleveland, Utah, Minnesota and others reportedly eyed him. But agent Dan Fegan said the Nuggets made early contact with him and separated themselves with a “consistent and professional” approach.
Fegan also listed coach George Karl as a draw, saying, “He’s an expert at exploiting mismatches and he’s always found ways to use talented players. A case in point is how they finished (last) season. Since George took over they had the best record in the NBA.”
Because the contracts are not yet signed, Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe declined comment.
The 6-foot-1 Watson averaged 7.7 points and 4.5 assists in his fourth pro season and third with the Grizzlies, and is known for his defense.
Watson, who receives Denver’s $5 million midlevel exception for this year, will have to split time with incumbent starter Andre Miller and Earl Boykins at the point, though Vandeweghe indicated Wednesday he could foresee the three working together.
But with the roster now overflowing with guards and big men, the Nuggets have also placed themselves in a position to make a major trade if they choose. Their full backcourt could mean free agent Wesley Person ends up elsewhere.
Denver center Marcus Camby said of Watson, “He’s a fiery backup point guard. He provided a spark (for Memphis) when Jason Williams was out. I’m happy he’s aboard.”
Camby also welcomed the return of Buckner, who will receive the biannual exception of $1.67 million, and Johnson, who will earn the minimum of about $770,000 after Denver went 28-12 in the games he started.
“I’m just happy Buck and D.J. are back. Buck is the consummate pro,” Camby said. “He’s one of coach’s favorites. He doesn’t complain. D.J. saved his career after a car accident. Our record was very good when he was in the starting lineup.”
Fegan, who also represents Johnson, added, “D.J. expressed to me from the very beginning of the process that he wanted to remain a Nugget. He was patient throughout the process and a Nugget he will remain.”
Moe stays upbeat
Doug Moe, the Nuggets’ winningest coach and a current assistant, joked Thursday he is more worried about his flight to Texas than about the surgery he will undergo in San Antonio on Sept. 12 to remove prostate cancer, and that he is spending more time thinking about his upcoming fantasy football draft.
“I hope I have as little problems with this as I did with my heart surgery,” said Moe, who rebounded from a heart attack last year. “I’m looking forward to getting it done. I wouldn’t say I’m ecstatic about it, but it doesn’t faze me in the least.”
Moe said his doctor made the discovery from a blood test to check his cholesterol soon after the Nuggets returned from summer league in Las Vegas in July. Like Karl, who underwent a similar procedure last month, Moe said his cancer has been caught early, meaning chances of a full recovery are strong.
Moe added that Karl’s experience and wisdom helped him through the bad news. Predicting he would be able to join the Nuggets at the start of training camp Oct. 3, the coach pointed out that he rarely exerts himself physically in his current role.
“What do I do? I sit and hold George’s hand anyway,” he said. “That’s my job.”
Adam Thompson can be reached at 303-820-5447 or at athompson@denverpost.com.
Marc J. Spears can be reached at 303-820-5449 or at mspears@denverpost.com.
