Nuggets Pick Up Options on Harris, Nurkic

Dec 30, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Nuggets picked up third-year team options on shooting guard Gary Harris and center Jusuf Nurkic Sunday, for the 2016/17 season, per the team’s official website.

Both players’ options remain cheap as Nurkic’s option is for approximately $1.9 million while Harris’ is for around $1.7 million.

Both Harris and Nurkic were acquired from the Chicago Bulls for fellow first-rounder Doug McDermott in the 2014 NBA Draft, and both have shown plenty of promise.

Nurkic was the 16th overall pick and quickly proved himself as a foundational piece for the Nuggets’ future.

After Denver traded away center Timofey Mozgov, the young Bosnian improved his play and ended up starting 27 games. For the season, he averaged 6.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks.

Though he’s currently recovering from a torn patella tendon, the 21-year-old will still look to continue improving, with his newfound job security.

Harris was taken three picks after Nurkic and averaged 13.1 minutes per game last season.

In the 2015-16 campaign, he looks capable of pushing for a starting job at shooting guard. So far, this preseason he has averaged 27.6 minutes and 11.3 points per game.

Note: All statistics are from RealGM unless otherwise indicated.