Greg Buckner's agent expects his client will opt out of his contract after the season and become an unrestricted free agent.

"Everybody in the league knows he's going to opt out," Steve Kauffman said. "His value in the league has gone up significantly."

Buckner last off-season signed a two-year, $3.47 million contract, with the second year a player option. He is making $1.67 million and would earn $1.8 million next season if he doesn't opt out by the end of June.

"There's a strong possibly of a guy like this being able to stay (with the Nuggets) with the early Bird rule," Kauffman said.

Buckner wants to remain with the Nuggets and said "time will tell" what he does. He agrees early Bird rights could help if he does opt out.

"But only if (the Nuggets) want you," Buckner said.