Denver on Monday signed point guard Jameer Nelson to a three-year deal with $13.5 million.
Signing Nelson, an unrestricted free agent, was a priority for the Nuggets, who had traded for the veteran midway through last season.
In 34 games with the Nuggets, the 33-year-old averaged 9.6 points and 3.7 assists while shooting 45 percent from the field and 35.4 percent from 3-point territory.
Nelson’s signing might signal the Nuggets’ desire and need to trade Ty Lawson, last year’s starting point guard. Dawson averaged 9.6 assists last season — third in the NBA — as well as 15.2 points per game.
But the Nuggets drafted highly touted point guard Emmanuel Mudiay and Nelson is viewed as a perfect mentor.
Denver has a fourth point guard on the roster, Erick Green. His contract is nonguaranteed.
Dawson’s contract could be a problem for Denver. It has two seasons and roughly $26 million left on it.