Nuggets Get Kentavious Caldwell-Pope From Wizards For Morris, Barton

DENVER, CO —The Denver Nuggets on Tuesday acquired swingman Kantavious Caldwell-Pope and guard Ish Smith from the Washington Wizards in exchange for point guard Monte Morris and wing Will Barton, according to multiple sources.

The 6-foot-5 Caldwell-Pope, a 9-year veteran, started every game for Washington last season, averaging 13.2 points per game. The former Laker also is considered a defensive upgrade for the Nuggets, an area in which the team has struggled in recent years, according to CBS Sports.com.

If the journeyman Smith, 33, suits up for the Nuggets this season, it will be his 13th NBA team, a record.

Both Morris and Barton were starters for Denver last season in the absence of injured regulars Jamal Murray and Michael Porter. Jr. Morris, in his 5th season, averaged 12.6 points and 4.4 assists per game, and Barton, a 10-year veteran, averaged 14.7 points per contest.

Barton, according to StatMuse, has made the most 3-pointers in Nuggets history and is the only player to play with Nikola Jokic in every season of Jokic's career.

In addition to improving the Denver defense, the deal likely was done with finances in mind, according to CBS Sports.com.

The return of Murray and Porter Jr. is expected to put the Nuggets back in title contention next season, and the trade gives the Nuggets "some more depth on cheaper deals" to put around Jokic, CBS Sports.com Jasmyn Wimbush wrote.

"With both Caldwell-Pope and Smith's contracts expiring after the 2022-23 season, it will give Denver a bit of a financial break for a team that is $32 million over the cap entering this upcoming season," Wimbush wrote.

Wimbush added: "With Murray and Porter Jr. already signed to hefty contracts, and Jokic expected to sign a five-year, $254 million supermax contract this summer, finding ways to save money while not sacrificing talent is key for the Nuggets going forward. This trade ensures that."