The Denver Nuggets have officially entered the offseason, and with the Los Angeles Lakers joining them after a humbling 4-0 sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, a compelling opportunity has suddenly emerged.
Marcus Smart holds a $5.3 million player option with the Lakers. The question now looms large for the veteran guard: does he believe Los Angeles is close enough to true title contention to stay, or does he decline the option and test the open market? If Smart chooses the latter, the Nuggets cannot afford to sleep on the chance to bring him aboard.
Defense has become the clear priority in Denver, and Smart represents an immediate, high-impact solution to the perimeter vulnerabilities that plagued the Nuggets during their first-round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
A former Defensive Player of the Year (2021-22 with the Boston Celtics), Smart remains one of the league’s most disruptive perimeter defenders. His ability to apply consistent pressure and physicality was evident even in the Lakers’ brief playoff run, where he did a respectable job slowing down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander early in the series — holding the superstar to 18, 22, and 23 points in the first three games before SGA exploded for 35 in the series-clinching Game 4.
That brand of gritty, instinctive perimeter defense was precisely what the Nuggets lacked against Minnesota. Opposing guards repeatedly found a free lane to the paint with minimal resistance or contact. Time after time, Nikola Jokić was left isolated in drop coverage with little help, as opponents exploited Denver’s soft perimeter. The result was an inability to contain drives, forcing the big man into difficult recovery situations and exposing a clear identity crisis on the defensive end.
Smart would address that issue almost instantly. His physical presence on the wing, combined with elite instincts and competitive fire, would give the Nuggets the kind of disruptive perimeter stopper they’ve been missing. Beyond raw talent, he brings championship pedigree and a proven track record of elevating team defense.
Cap constraints make Smart an especially attractive target. With limited financial flexibility this offseason, Denver has been searching for cost-effective defensive upgrades rather than expensive overhauls. Smart’s potential market value — tempered somewhat by his inconsistent offensive output this past season — could align perfectly with what the Nuggets can realistically offer. His defense alone would deliver a massive upgrade without breaking the bank.
The Nuggets’ front office must act decisively if Smart declines his player option. In a Western Conference that continues to grow more athletic and guard-heavy, perimeter defense can no longer be an afterthought. Adding a battle-tested former DPOY like Smart would not only patch an obvious weakness but also send a clear message: Denver is committed to restoring its defensive identity and returning to championship contention.
For Marcus Smart, the decision comes down to legacy and opportunity. For the Nuggets, it’s simpler: if the chance materializes, they must pounce.