Nov 21, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love (42) dribbles against Denver Nuggets small forward Danilo Gallinari (8) during the third quarter at Target Center. Nuggets won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-USA TODAY Sports

A few days ago Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post said that the Denver Nuggets were just a trade away from being a serious championship contender. He and Peter Burns talked about the possibility of trading for Kevin Love of the Minnesota Timberwolves. They discussed multiple trade scenarios in this podcast, but let’s break down possible trade scenarios.

*Note–I’m assuming that Danilo Gallinari and Ty Lawson are untouchable.

The Nuggets get:

• Kevin Love

The Timberwolves get:

• JaVale McGee
• Evan Fournier
• Kenneth Faried

Kevin Love’s relationship with the Minnesota Timberwolves has been rocky. There’s been no secret about that. And just recently the TWolves took the first step in changing their organization by firing General Manager David Kahn and replacing him with Flip Saunders. Will Saunders “flip” [ha, had to] Love? Well, maybe. And if he does, this trade could present some intriguing options for the TWolves.

Faried would slide into Minnesota’s starting four spot, matching Kevin Love’s rebounding but not stretching the floor. The TWolves–like the Nuggets–were bad at shooting from the perimeter, which is why I threw in Evan Fournier. Fournier struggled in the playoffs but showed in the final month leading up that he can be a fine rotation player. He shot over 40 percent from deep and displayed a nice feel for the game on the offensive side.

McGee is the wild-card here. Could he capitalize on his potential in the pick-and-roll by being paired with Ricky Rubio? Well that’s what the TWolves would have to wander. If they think Rubio’s creativity with the ball and uncanny ability to set up teammates could turn McGee into a full time starter, then this trade becomes even more realistic. McGee’s salary matches that of Love’s, so that helps.

The Nuggets get:

• Kevin Love
• Derrick Williams

The Timberwolves get:

• JaVale McGee
• Wilson Chandler
• Evan Fournier
• Kenneth Faried

This is plan B for Denver. Wilson Chandler is a better player than Derrick Williams and if Minnesota is reluctant to pull the trigger on the other trade then this should be the Nuggets’ counter move.

Williams has been unable to capitalize on his potential in Minnesota and this move could be best for all parties involved. The fast pace, up-and-down style that Denver plays could benefit Williams. For the TWolves, Chandler provides a versatile player who can play both sides of the ball and hit 3-pointers at a decent clip.

***

Thanks for reading and follow me on Twitter @lashy.

April 1, 2012; Orlando FL, USA; Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson (3) shoots as Orlando Magic power forward Glen Davis (11) attempted to defend during the first half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

• At Houston (Monday): The Rockets are falling apart down the stretch. The Goran Dragic-project was similar to the Jeremy Lin-impact, but the magic is wearing off. Houston has dropped its past three games, all three of which were big games in the playoff race. Denver has won in Houston once before (117-105, March 2) and have won 2 of 3 against the Rockets.  (more…)