The Nuggets Should Trade Wilson Chandler

There is no question that Wilson Chandler is a very talented player with a bright future.

He is a hard worker and is one of  the most versatile defenders in the NBA – with the ability to defend four different positions (point guards, shooting guards, small forwards and power forwards). He is also capable of scoring 15 points a game with a wide array of moves. He could easily start in the NBA or be the perfect sixth man.

But how does he fit in with the Denver Nuggets? He isn’t going to beat out Danilo Gallinari or Arron Afflalo for a starting wing spot. The Nuggets already have the energetic Corey Brewer, who was a big reason why the Nuggets forced a Game 7, and the up-and-coming Jordan Hamilton, who has shown signs of being a special player and also the shooter that the Nuggets vastly need, coming off the bench. So where does Chandler come into play?

Chandler is also the Nuggets best trade piece and has a relatively cheap contract ($31.6 million for 5 years) for a starting small forward and there are a number of teams that are looking to upgrade at the 3. Some may be willing to trade down in the draft to add a player like Chandler. More importantly the Nuggets need to free up cap space to re-sign JaVale McGee and offer Ty Lawson a contract extension.

Whether it is in the offseason or at the trade deadline the Nuggets need to move Chandler and other assets to improve the talent on the roster. Denver has a young and exciting squad, but it will take another piece or two for the Nuggets to get to the next level. Chandler is not that piece, but he could help the Nuggets get that extra piece.