Ex-Cat’s decision to turn pro pays off with multi-year contract

The Denver Nuggets announced Wednesday they have agreed to a multi-year contract with former Kentucky basketball player Jarred Vanderbilt.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the three-year deal is for $4 million, according to sources.

Vanderbilt, a 6-foot-9 forward whose lone season was limited by injuries, averaged 5.9 points and 7.9 rebounds for the Cats, but impressed with his speed, athleticism, court awareness and rebounding ability. He was selected in the second round by the Nuggets with the 41st overall pick.

Neither Vanderbilt nor the Nuggets' first-round pick, Michael Porter Jr. out of Missouri, are participating in the team's summer league games as they rehabilitate from injuries ahead of the upcoming season.

This story was originally published July 11, 2018 at 1:02 PM.