Report: Nuggets waive J.J. Hickson, Steve Novak

The Denver Nuggets opened up two roster spots Friday, waiving center J.J. Hickson and forward Steve Novak, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical.

Hickson, a capable but undersized offensive big with glaring defensive deficiencies, had been slowly squeezed out of the Nuggets' crowded frontcourt rotation. He's played just 20 games this season - his third in Denver - with averages of 6.9 points and 4.4 rebounds. The North Carolina State product has played just 13 total minutes since Dec. 8.

Novak was acquired from the Oklahoma City Thunder ahead of the trade deadline Thursday in a deal for guard Randy Foye. The veteran 3-point specialist played just seven games for the Thunder this season, scoring a total of 17 points. He owns a career 43.2-percent mark from distance.

Both Hickson and Novak are in the final year of their deals, and are earning $5.6 million and $3.7 million this season, respectively.