The Nuggets are close to signing veteran forward Richard Jefferson to a one-year contract, league sources confirmed to The Denver Post on Monday night.
The deal will pay Jefferson $2.3 million, according to sources. The Nuggets are likely to waive veteran point guard to make room for Jefferson on the 15-man roster, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Brandon Wade, Associated Press file
In this Monday, Jan. 30, 2017 file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) battles Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) for space during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas.
Nick Wass, The Associated Press
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) goes to the basket against Washington Wizards guard Tomas Satoransky (31), of the Czech Republic, during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2017, in Washington.
Scott R. Galvin, The Associated Press
Cleveland Cavaliers' Channing Frye (8) talks with Richard Jefferson (24) during a timeout against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter of an NBA preseason basketball game, Friday, Oct. 6, 2017, in Cleveland. The Pacers won 106-102.
Jason Miller, Getty Images
Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors handles the ball against Richard Jefferson #24 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first half in Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 7, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Richard Jefferson #24 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots against Drew Gooden #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the game on Dec. 15, 2010 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Elsa, Getty Images
Nate Robinson #4 of the Boston Celtics avoids getting fouled by Tony Parker #9,Manu Ginobili #20 and Richard Jefferson #24 of the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 5, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Spurs 105-103.
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Richard Jefferson #24 of the New Jersey Nets shoots against Marcus Camby #23 of the Denver Nuggets Nov. 28, 2005 at the Pepsi Center in Denver.
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Richard Jefferson #24 of the New Jersey Nets goes up for the shot during the NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at Arco Arena on Jan. 22, 2008 in Sacramento, California. The Kings won 128-94.
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Richard Jefferson #24 of the New Jersey Nets gets fouled as he goes up for a shot during the game against the Boston Celtics at the IZOD Center Jan. 11, 2008 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Celtics won 86-77.
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Jason Kidd #5 and Richard Jefferson #24 take a breath against the New Orleans Hornets April 14, 2003 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Brandon Wade, Associated Press file
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In this Monday, Jan. 30, 2017 file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Richard Jefferson (24) battles Dallas Mavericks forward Harrison Barnes (40) for space during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Dallas.
Jefferson was traded from the to the over the weekend, then was waived by the Hawks. He became an unrestricted free agent Monday afternoon.
Jefferson, 37, has enjoyed a lengthy NBA career with seven franchises. He averaged 5.7 points and 2.6 rebounds per game for the Cavaliers last season while shooting 44.6 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from 3-point range. He won a championship with the Cavaliers in 2016 and also played for the , , , , and New Jersey Nets.
Known around the league for his engaging personality, Jefferson adds another veteran presence to a young Nuggets team aiming for its first playoff berth since 2013. Denver is also a sensible destination for Jefferson because of his friendship with Nuggets president and governor Josh Kroenke. Jefferson joins a forward group that will start Paul Millsap and and features backups Trey Lyles, , and Tyler Lydon.
This move also partially clears up Denver’s point guard battle. Nuggets coach Michael Malone said Monday that the starting competition had been narrowed to youngsters and . Nelson, who was Denver’s starter down the stretch last season, missed a chunk of training camp with a toe injury and started one preseason game.
The Nuggets open their 2017-18 season Wednesday at Utah.
