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The Denver Nuggets “have serious interest” in Indiana Pacers point guard Darren Collison, report Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY Sports:
But Denver will likely make a move of its own before the Feb. 8 trade deadline, as the Nuggets are known to be shopping for a veteran point guard who could allow Will Barton to return to his super sixth man role. According to two people with knowledge of the situation, they have serious interest in the Indiana Pacers’ Darren Collison (12.8 points, 5.3 assists per game as a starter) but have, thus far, been rebuffed. Collison, whose Pacers (28-23) are fighting to hold onto a playoff spot, has a team option worth $10 million on his deal for next season. The people spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because trade talks aren’t typically discussed publicly.
Collison is in the midst of the most efficient season of his career as the starting point guard for the Pacers. He’s averaging 12.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game on career-best shooting from the field (49.7) and 3-point territory (43.2 percent). He’s knocking on the 50/40/90-club door, shooting a career-high 89.5 percent from the foul line.
With the emergence of Jamal Murray as a legitimate starting point guard in Denver, Collison would be a reserve in Denver. His presence in the second unit would be huge for the Nuggets and their playoff push – they currently sit at eighth in the Western Conference.
