The Nuggets reportedly planned to waive Kostas Papanikolaou – acquired in the Ty Lawson trade – but they held off.
They finally did it – before his $4,797,664 salary would have become guaranteed next Sunday.
Chris Dempsey of The Denver Post:
So the #Nuggets are leaving the door open to Kostas Papanikolaou's possible return. It would, obviously, be at a reduced rate.
— Chris Dempsey (@chrisadempsey) September 25, 2015
The 25-year-old Papanikolaou didn’t shoot well with the Rockets as a rookie last season, which really undermined his game. But he at least flashed the versatility that makes him an intriguing prospect.
He should have some teams kick the tires on him, apparently including the Nuggets. But as an unrestricted free agent, why would he choose Denver? He was just included in the Lawson deal to make salaries match. He might choose to re-sign with the Nuggets, but I doubt he’ll have more allegiance to them than any other suitor.