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Will Barton will not agree to a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets and will instead become an unrestricted free agent in the summer 2018, according to a report from ESPN. 

The Nuggets "anticipated" Barton's decision to decline an extension with the team, which comes at a time when the 26-year-old is at the prime of his career. He could garner big money in free agency after his three-year deal worth $11 million expires after the 2017-18 season.

Barton averaged 13.7 points, 4.3 rebound and 3.4 assists in the 2016-17 season. Although he missed 22 games, his value as a swingman and as a hired gunner who shot 37 percent from the 3-point line will make him a hot commodity if and when he enters the free-agent market. 

If Barton were to sign with the Nuggets, his extension would be capped at about $39 million over a four-year span -- numbers that would pale in comparison to the money he will likely earn in free agency next summer that could be worth double that amount.