Several trade rumors have linked Denver Nuggets shooting guard Will Barton to several NBA teams, but the club is reportedly keen on keeping his services for the foreseeable future.
The 25-year-old Barton, the 40th overall pick of the 2012 draft, had a breakout year last season. It was his fifth season in the league, second with the Nuggets, and he averaged career highs in points (14.4), rebounds (5.8), assists (2.5), minutes played (28.7), and three-point shooting percentage (34.5) in all 82 regular season games as a spark off the bench for head coach Mike Malone.
With his recent success, Denver had been offered first-round draft picks for Barton, but the team had declined each one as they are said to be including the 6-foot-6, 175-pound wingman in their rebuilding plans, according to Fansided.
The report said that "many even believed that Barton, not CJ McCollum, should've took home NBA Most Improved Player honors" last season, but still Barton's achievements have not been overlooked by NBA teams, especially the one he is with right now.
However, there were also rumors that Barton could also be an important trade piece for the Nuggets if they do decide to go that route. As he proves himself game after game, other teams are increasingly getting interested in snagging him from Denver.
At this time, all indications point to the more likely scenario that Barton will stay as a Nugget this coming season as the club had turned down the said first-round picks offered to them for the former Memphis standout, as per ESPN.
Barton began his career with the Portland Trail Blazers and had spent his first three years with the Oregon outfit. Many believed that he was underutilized there as he played no more than 13 minutes per night in all those years.
After he was traded to Denver in February last year in a deal that sent Arron Afflalo to Portland, things began to go up for Barton as he found the playing time he needed to showcase his skills.
He signed a three-year, $10.6 million contract last summer, which is considered as a bargain for someone with his skill set and contribution to a squad.
Last season, Barton was voted fourth in the Sixth Man of the Year race while he also ended up in third place for the Most Improved Player award.