The Denver Nuggets were at the top of the NBA just two seasons ago, securing their first championship in 2023. Since then, they’ve adopted a “run-it-back” approach, but this strategy has led to some stagnation in Denver.
While the Nuggets have one of the league’s most talented starting lineups, featuring Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, the loss of key wing player Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has left their rotation thinner than ever.
To stay competitive, it’s crucial for the Nuggets to make a significant trade before the season starts. Despite a tight financial situation and limited tradeable first-round picks (due to previous trades, including the one for Gordon), Denver still has potential to improve through deals involving some of their young assets, which could appeal to rebuilding teams.
Here are three potential moves that could help the Nuggets win the Western Conference.
Nuggets Add Cost-Effective Sharpshooter
Denver Signs Doug McDermott to league-minimum contract
Doug McDermott entered the NBA as one of the most celebrated scorers in college basketball. While the Creighton standout hasn’t reached the same level of prominence in the pros, his main skill remains intact — scoring.
McDermott has mostly played for average teams throughout his career, with the exception of his recent stint with the Indiana Pacers. He’s only made four playoff appearances, but joining the Denver Nuggets would increase his chances of reaching the postseason.
| Doug McDermott Career Stats | |
|---|---|
| Category | Stat |
| PPG | 8.9 |
| RPG | 2.2 |
| APG | 1.0 |
| 3PT% | 41.0 |
McDermott would be a valuable addition as an experienced wing scorer to a team that lacks depth in that area. His style is similar to Michael Porter Jr., as he’s a shoot-first forward who can serve as a spot-up shooter off the bench, complementing Russell Westbrook.
With the Nuggets being thin on the wings, especially after losing Caldwell-Pope, adding a proven scorer like McDermott would bolster their forward rotation without requiring a trade.
Denver, Atlanta Make Win-Win Trade
Nuggets make a 2-for-1 deal for wing depth
As previously mentioned, the Nuggets’ weakest area is on the wings, and this trade offers them the chance to bring in not just one, but two reliable starters from the Atlanta Hawks.
Some may argue that it’s premature for Denver to part ways with Porter Jr., but the team needs dependable talent, and both De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic fit the bill.
| De’Andre Hunter & Bogdan Bogdanović Stats – 2023-24 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | Hunter | Bogdanović |
| PPG | 15.6 | 16.9 |
| RPG | 3.6 | 3.4 |
| APG | 1.9 | 3.3 |
| 3PT% | 38.5 | 37.4 |
Hunter, who has mostly started as a forward throughout his career, saw his role diminish a bit last season. He offers strong defense and shooting, with an impressive 6-foot-8, 225-pound frame. Bogdanovic, on the other hand, would team up with fellow Serbian star Nikola Jokic in this trade and finally have the opportunity to start after years of serving as a sixth man.
This move would also allow Christian Braun to settle back into a more suitable bench role, where he excelled last season. As a result, Denver would once again boast a well-rounded, competitive starting lineup to challenge the league’s best.
On the flip side, Atlanta would gain a high-upside, albeit expensive, potential star to pair with Trae Young. With the Hawks reportedly shifting directions, it’s possible Hunter and Bogdanovic could be on their way out.
Nuggets Add Useful Wings in Massive Deal
Four teams come together, Denver addresses problem area
There are numerous moving parts in this situation, but that’s typical when teams with limited cap space are eager to make upgrades.
In this trade, the Nuggets would part ways with Michael Porter Jr., sending him to the Golden State Warriors to join sharpshooters Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield.
For Denver, they’d acquire two valuable starters from the Brooklyn Nets: Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith. Johnson’s shooting would cover much of what Porter Jr. brought, while Finney-Smith’s spot-up shooting and defense would be a solid addition. Additionally, they’d pick up Moses Moody, a young bench scorer who hasn’t had many opportunities but would find a key role off Denver’s bench.
| Wing-Needy Nuggets (2023-24 Player Stats) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Stats | Cam Johnson | Dorian Finney-Smith | Moses Moody |
| PPG | 13.4 | 8.5 | 8.1 |
| RPG | 4.3 | 4.7 | 3.0 |
| APG | 2.4 | 1.6 | 0.9 |
| 3PT% | 39.1 | 34.8 | 36.0 |
The Warriors would bolster their defense with the addition of Robert Williams III, an established, though injury-prone, shot blocker who could greatly enhance Golden State’s defense if healthy.
While Denver and Golden State aim to strengthen their rosters, Brooklyn and Portland would be focused on acquiring assets. Portland’s involvement is minor, but the Nets would likely be happy to take two first-round picks during what’s shaping up to be a rebuilding season.
The trade offers something for everyone involved: teams looking to compete get key pieces, while those planning for the future gain valuable assets. Ultimately, this deal could help balance out the Nuggets as they aim to return to championship form.
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