The Denver Nuggets extended a qualifying offer to forward Trey Lyles, making him a restricted free agent, a league source confirmed to The Denver Post.
The move ensures the Nuggets will retain the right to match any offer sheets that Lyles receives in free agency, which begins Sunday at 6 p.m. Lyles can also sign the qualifying offer and play next season under contract with the Nuggets.
The move essentially buys the Nuggets more time and gives Lyles the chance to determine his market value.
Regarding any potential offer sheets Lyles may get, itap essential to consider who the Nuggets have waiting in the wings. The team is excited about the potential of Michael Porter Jr. and should be wary of impeding his development. Lyles and Porter Jr. essentially play the same position – stretch 3 or 4.
Lyles had a down year last season, averaging just 8.5 points and 3.8 rebounds, and fell out of the rotation during the playoff stretch.
