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The Denver Nuggets are continuing to make moves to make sure they will keep their core intact for the next two seasons. With the solid first two campaigns Emmanuel Mudiay and Trey Lyles have had so far, the team has decided to pick up their fourth year options, that will retain their services with The Mile High City team until 2018-19, unless traded.
They also picked up fourth-year options on Mudiay and Trey Lyles
— Chris Dempsey (@chrisadempsey) September 28, 2017
Both players entered the league back in the 2015 draft, with Mudiay selected seventh overall by the Nuggets, and Lyles with the 12th pick by the Utah Jazz, respectively. The 21-year-old point guard took a different path before declaring for the draft two years ago, as he opted to become a professional in China's CBA instead of joining a team in college. However, it worked out well for him, as he was able to prove his worth, and still became a top pick. He has spent the past two seasons in Denver, where he has averaged 12.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 28.2 minutes per game.
Lyles on the other hand landed with the Nuggets this offseason as he was part of a draft night deal with the Jazz. A 6-foot-10 power forward out of Kentucky, he has showed glimpses of his true potential against some of the best big men in the league today. He became a fixture in the Jazz's rotation the past two years, and averaged solid numbers of 6.1 points and 3.5 rebounds in 16.8 minutes per game. Now with his new team, he is expected to be the primary backup of Paul Millsap, and could be in line for more playing, as he can also play the center spot.
The moves can be considered an easy decision to make for the Nuggets front office, as their rookie scale contracts are team friendly, and would avoid them becoming free agents after this coming season. For now, they can retain them on a smaller contract but eventually the team has to prepare to offer them a more lucrative one, especially if they continue their solid play.
