The Nuggets could take a gamble by acquiring Nikola Jokic’s international teammate, from the Hawks in this speculative trade scenario.
The Denver Nuggets have experienced a significant loss of talent over the past two seasons following their 2023 NBA Championship win. Key contributors like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Bruce Brown, and Jeff Green have departed, leaving the team to rely on the development of younger players such as Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, and Peyton Watson as potential internal replacements.
While this approach could be promising, the Nuggets must remain competitive against other top teams that have bolstered their rosters in recent seasons. After exiting in the second round last year, it’s crucial for the team to make the most of Nikola Jokic’s prime, especially as the Serbian star approaches his 30th birthday next season. Bringing in a familiar player who can provide consistent perimeter scoring might be the best path forward for the Nuggets.
Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Zeke Nnaji, Julian Strawther, Dario Saric, Vlatko Cancar, 2030 First-Round Pick (DEN)
The Nuggets will need to part ways with Julian Strawther, a 22-year-old swingman in whom they had invested great hopes. However, they gain Bogdanovic, who is expected to boost the development of other young players like Braun and Watson. Known for his shooting skills and strong chemistry with Jokic, which contributed to international success with the Serbian national team, Bogdanovic aims to bring similar results to the Nuggets through this deal.
The Nuggets Acquire A Much-Needed Sharpshooter
People are downplaying the impact of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leaving the Nuggets. He was a crucial component in their roster that helped secure the championship in 2023. Relying on Christian Braun to instantly replace him is quite ambitious, although the Nuggets will likely give him a starting role next season. Braun averaged 7.3 points with a 38.4% shooting rate from three-point range last season, so Denver will be hoping he can either match or exceed that performance.
On the other hand, Bogdanovic averaged 16.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists last season, with a 37.4% shooting rate from three-point range on 8.1 attempts per game. Having played in a system led by a single player, Bogdanovic could be a valuable off-ball offensive option for any superstar. With both Jokic and Bogdanovic having significant international experience together, their familiarity could benefit the Nuggets.
Integrating Bogdanovic into the team and counting on him to maintain his offensive output seems like a smart move for Denver. Considering they struggled even with KCP on the roster last season, expecting Braun to be a game-changer overnight might be unrealistic. Playing behind Bogdanovic could aid Braun’s development and support the Nuggets’ immediate championship ambitions.
The Hawks Add A Cast Of Players To Enhance Trae Young
In this trade, the Hawks receive four players who could fit into their current strategy, which is a mix of competing and rebuilding. With the top pick Zaccharie Risascher and Trae Young as their leading point guard, the team is in a transitional phase. Bogdanovic’s departure could open up opportunities for Kobe Bufkin or Julian Strawther to step up.
Strawther, who averaged 4.5 points last season, is a promising two-way player with developing offensive skills that could benefit from playing alongside Young. The Hawks hope to maximize his future potential while using him flexibly in the short term.
The trade also brings two big men to the Hawks: Zeke Nnaji and Dario Saric. Nnaji, who averaged 3.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks last season, offers size and offensive versatility but hasn’t had much chance to develop behind Jokic. The Hawks could provide him with more opportunities. Saric, who averaged 8.0 points and 4.4 rebounds last season, is the most ready-to-contribute player in this deal, known for his shooting.
Vlatko Cancar, coming off an ACL injury and in the final year of his contract, may not have a future with the Hawks and could be waived if the trade goes through.
What Grade Should This Trade Be?
The Hawks and Nuggets are both making a bold gamble with this trade, as it could disrupt the continuity each team has developed with their current players. While this trade has the potential to be advantageous for both franchises, it might not turn out to be a huge success for either.
Denver Nuggets: B-
The addition of Bogdanovic unquestionably strengthens the Nuggets. However, they are giving up quite a bit for a 30-year-old shooter. Strawther has significant long-term potential, and Nnaji offers a cost-effective contract for the future. Saric was also brought in to add versatility to the frontcourt, making the assets lost in this trade more impactful.
Nonetheless, Bogdanovic could elevate the Nuggets’ performance, particularly offensively, though replicating KCP’s defensive contributions will be challenging. This is where Braun could make a difference, as he has demonstrated strong defensive skills. If the Nuggets can effectively integrate Braun and Bogdanovic into their rotation, this trade could boost their chances of reclaiming the top spot in the West.
Atlanta Hawks: B+
To be honest, the Hawks don’t seem to be making much progress with their current roster. Trading Bogdanovic’s long-term contract for four players and a pick that’s only conveyed when Jokic is in his late 30s is a strong move for their shooting guard. It’s a good opportunity to move him at the best possible value. If the Hawks perform well next season, Bogdanovic will be crucial; if they don’t, his value could significantly decrease.
Maximizing this trade’s value while acquiring prospects who could potentially become even better than Bogdanovic is the best strategy for the Hawks, especially since the team has been getting younger in recent years. With Young still only 25, the Hawks have time to build a complementary roster around him for the next season or two before finalizing their direction. In any case, the assets received should appreciate over time, making this a solid deal for the Hawks.
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