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The Nuggets are exploring the buyout market, with Lonzo Ball emerging as a potential fit amid growing backcourt injury concerns.
The Denver Nuggets are monitoring the buyout market, and one name has gained traction: Lonzo Ball.
The former No. 2 overall pick became available after the Utah Jazz waived him following a salary-clearing trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Denver, which still has one open standard roster spot after the trade deadline, is positioned to add a veteran guard. Ball’s profile fits several of the Nuggets’ immediate needs.
When healthy, Ball offers defensive versatility, secondary ball-handling, and connective passing, all areas where Denver has quietly felt strain as injuries have piled up. Sunday’s game only added further fuel as they had yet another injury scare.
Jamal Murray Injury Emphasizes the Issue
Late in Denver’s win over the Chicago Bulls, Jamal Murray exited after landing awkwardly on a drive. Murray finished a contested layup, then limped back on defense while favoring his left hip. Denver immediately called timeout and sent him to the locker room.
Although Murray returned to the bench and did not re-enter, the moment raised concern. Denver cannot afford prolonged absences in the backcourt, especially with Murray carrying a heavy offensive load this season.
He is averaging 26.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. The All-Star selection marked the first of his career. Any missed time would force Denver to lean harder on Nikola Jokic to create offense and leaves them with no real trustworthy guard to run the offense. That scenario explains why Ball has entered the conversation.
Why Ball Makes Sense If Available
Ball no longer profiles as a primary guard, but his utility remains clear. In 20.8 minutes per game this season, he averaged 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals. His shooting efficiency dipped sharply, including 27.2 percent from three, but Denver would not rely on him for scoring.
Defense, pace control, and connective passing drive the interest. League insiders have tied Denver to Ball since his release.
“There were some fresh rumbles over the weekend that the Warriors might opt not to sign Lonzo Ball in the end after converting Pat Spencer from a two-way deal to a standard NBA contract,” NBA insider Marc Stein wrote.
But, his medical review remains the key variable. NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Denver among other teams have requested Ball’s medical information before making a decision on whether or not bring him in.
Denver has already endured extensive injury disruption. Peyton Watson remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Aaron Gordon is dealing with his second hamstring strain of the season. Spencer Jones recently entered concussion protocol. Cam Johnson just returned for his first game since just before Christmas after suffering a right knee bone bruise and hyperextension. Earlier in the year, even Nikola Jokic missed significant time with a knee issue of his own.
That context explains Denver’s hesitation. Adding another health-risk player could magnify existing problems.
A Calculated Buyout Gamble
Still, buyout additions rarely come without risk. Ball would not need to transform the rotation. If healthy, he could defend multiple guard spots, move the ball, and reduce pressure on Murray during critical stretches. For a contender with limited flexibility, that may qualify as meaningful help.
Denver now faces a familiar postseason calculation. Preserve stability or bet on upside while the margins remain thin. If Ball’s health cooperates, the Nuggets may decide the gamble aligns with their championship window.
Jalon Dixon Jalon Dixon is a multi-platform sports journalist and content creator specializing in NBA and WNBA coverage. He blends writing, podcasting, and video analysis to deliver accessible, in-depth perspectives on basketball and beyond. More about Jalon Dixon
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