This season, four Denver Nuggets could be dealt.
If the Nuggets believe they are one or two pieces short at the deadline, they may decide to make a transaction.
The Denver Nuggets are fully committed to building a dynasty and winning a second consecutive title. There is a lot of talent surrounding the world’s top player, Nikola Jokic. They are 17-9, having won 10 of their last 11 games at home, but what if they believe they are lacking one or two players before the trade deadline on February 8?
To strengthen their roster, they can make numerous first-round trades in addition to five second-round draft selections. The Nuggets have a solid starting five, but are they deep enough? Despite his improved play, Reggie Jackson was no longer included in the postseason rotation in 2023. The others are talented but inexperienced under 25-year-olds, with the exception of veteran winger Justin Holiday.
General manager Calvin Booth will make an effort to obtain more assistance if he and the Nuggets front office feel the team needs it. To make that happen, who could they trade?
4. Vlatko Cancar Cancar is anticipated to miss the full season after tearing his ACL while competing for the Slovenian National Team. In 2023, he averaged just 14.8 minutes per game and was cut from their postseason lineup. The 6’8 forward has a $2.3 million team option with the Nuggets for the 2024–25 campaign, but it could be time to let go of the 26-year-old.
Cancar isn’t worth much in trade, but the Nuggets might deal him to make room on the roster. At the moment, they have the maximum 18 players under contract. Finding 6’8 forwards with a 36.1 percent 3-point shooting percentage is difficult. Cancar’s injury and small role are a turnoff, but a team in rebuilding mode might take a chance, particularly with a cheap team option for the following campaign.
This season, Vlatko Cancar will provide nothing to the Denver Nuggets. It makes sense to trade him, but before they act, they might require more money.
3. Zeke Nnaji Before the season, Nnaji signed a $32 million, four-year rookie extension. His minutes are down for the second straight year, contrary to what fans had anticipated—more playing time and a bigger role. With 10.3 minutes per game, he is scoring 3.7 points and pulling down 2.4 rebounds. It could be time for the Nuggets to move on because there isn’t much to be happy about.
Although the 22-year-old has unrealized talent, Denver does not allow him to play more. This season, he has spent 92% of his minutes at the five. In close games, Nikola Jokic—the greatest player in the world—will play 35 or more minutes. Aaron Gordon plays the majority of Nnaji’s minutes despite his ability to play the four. Just not much room exists for 2020’s first-round selection.
It won’t be simple to trade Nnaji. He is now covered by the Poison Pill Provision as a result of his extension. The final player to be dealt under this regulation was Devin Harris, who was acquired by the Nets from the Mavericks in 2008. For the team that receives him, Nnaji’s pay is more important than the quantity this year.
In an attempt to discover someone who sees his potential, the Denver Nuggets might investigate his market. Rebuilding organizations are looking for young players with manageable contracts. Zeke Nnaji might not become a star, but as a team finishes its rebuild, he might develop into a rotational player.
2. Watson Peyton
This season, the Nuggets’ 30th overall choice in the 2022 draft is playing 15 to 25 minutes a night as a member of the rotation. Although Watson, a 6’8 wing, plays strong defense, his offensive technique still needs improvement.
He is six of 27 this year and had a 24.6 percent 3-point shooting percentage in the G League the previous season. Watson had 20 assists in his first 23 games, but he only got five against the Nets on December 14. From an offensive standpoint, he has been a huge liability, and his ceiling is uncertain.
A 6’8 wing who can defend several positions is what every club desires. Watson easily becomes a rotation player on any squad if he can add some ball handling or a three-point shot. That ought to be his main concern. Given his current offensive style, Denver’s playoff rotation will probably cut the 21-year-old.
To obtain a sizable return, the Nuggets must move one of their three young players. As a rookie, Julian Strawther has shown some serious juice, and Christian Braun feels locked in. Although Watson is playing more than Strawther, he has less potential. If Denver can locate a better player, they will probably trade Watson.
1. Reggie Jackson
This season, Jackson has been exceptional thus far. He participated in all 26 games and now averages 26.2 minutes per game, 13.6 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.2 rebounds. The seasoned shooter is making 41.4 percent of his 3-point attempts and 49.1 percent of his field goals. After some serious questions at the close of the previous season, Jackson appears to be back to his best.
The 6’2 guard failed after joining the Nuggets in the buyout market, and the Clippers were eager to let him go at the trade deadline. Jackson only participated in 18 minutes of postseason action overall while they won. not for eighteen minutes per game. He participated in six competitions, averaging 3.0 minutes apiece. In the offseason, Denver re-signed Jackson to a two-year contract worth $10.2 million, but some wondered if Jackson was headed out of the league.
He’s responding to those questions. He is tradable because of his contract. Jackson has the sixth-highest salary on the squad ($5.0 million). Given that none of the Nuggets’ starting five are interested in going, Jackson is the most probable player to match a deal’s salary match.
While Denver would still be purchasing deals, they would be able to get a player that is close to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception without having to give up too many guys.
Before the deadline on February 8th, will the Denver Nuggets make a trade? The answer to such issue may lie in the development of their youthful potential. Denver probably doesn’t change if they feel comfortable having them remain in the postseason rotation. If a hole appears, the Nuggets will take action, so pay attention.
Leave a Reply