NBA Rumors: Wilson Chandler Would Solidify Shaky Denver Nuggets

Wilson Chandler has generated a lot of interest as his season with the Zhejiang Guangsha Lions in China winds toward its conclusion, but staying with the Denver Nuggets is the swingman's best option. He would provide a much-needed boost to a struggling lineup.

Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports reports Chandler fully intends on returning to Denver:

"

Restricted free-agent forward Wilson Chandler plans to re-sign with the Denver Nuggets once he finishes playing in China, his agent told Yahoo! Sports.

Chandler signed with Zhejiang Guangsha of the Chinese Basketball Association during the NBA lockout and is committed to stay with the team until China’s season is over.

"

The former first-round pick averaged 13 points and five rebounds for the Nuggets after arriving from the New York Knicks. He was a key piece of the Carmelo Anthony trade, so it's important for the team to keep him around to show it was a good deal.

More importantly, the Nuggets need to get their season back on track. They have dropped five straight games, and currently sit just inside the Western Conference's playoff picture.

Expectations were high coming into the season, after Denver's strong run near the end of last season, but a 15-12 record has left fans to wonder if the Nuggets are contenders or pretenders. Adding Chandler to the mix would help ensure they fall into the first category.

Since they lack star power, the Nuggets pride themselves on having terrific depth. Danilo Gallinari's injury proves they need more of it, though. The team hasn't operated with the same efficiency since the breakout small forward went down earlier in the week.

Chandler would bring that added scoring punch they need, while also playing rock-solid defense. His versatility to guard players at several different positions makes him even more valuable to a team like Denver.

It will still be a little while before Chandler can return to the Nuggets, but ensuring he will join the team as soon as possible should be general manager Masai Ujiri's top priority.

The move would be like making a trade for an impact player without having to give anything up, which makes it all the better for Denver.