Feb 3, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (28) drives against Philadelphia 76ers guard JaKarr Sampson (9) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Things have been relatively quiet over the last 24 hours or so as the NBA takes a break to celebrate All-Star Weekend in New York City. But with the trade deadline less than a week away, speculation about which players might be on the move is picking up, and the Jameer Nelson trade rumors are gaining traction.
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A couple of weeks ago, we wrote about the Nelson-to-Cleveland rumors that were being mentioned with some regularity. There hasn’t been any movement on that front since then, but now it appears a couple of additional teams might be ready to throw their hats in the ring in hopes of acquiring Nelson. Shams Charania of RealGM recently reported that two Eastern Conference contenders have been in touch with the Denver Nuggets regarding Nelson’s services:
"“The Washington Wizards and Miami Heat have explored trade talks with the Denver Nuggets on Jameer Nelson, sources tell RealGM. No deal is imminent, and Nelson has grown comfortable with his situation in Denver. The veteran point guard is currently dealing with an Achilles injury and hopes to return to the lineup after the NBA All-Star break.”"
Both teams are still in the mix for the Eastern Conference playoffs, so it’s no surprise that they are looking to add Nelson’s veteran experience ahead of the playoff push. Miami is rumored to be trying to move third-year point guard Norris Cole or possibly rookie Shabazz Napier, and Nelson would give them a battle-tested leader in the backcourt as they wrestle for playoff positioning.
Washington is likely looking to add backcourt depth following what appears to be a relatively significant injury to Bradley Beal’s leg. The Wizards are no strangers to dealing with the Nuggets, as their roster currently includes two former Nuggets: Andre Miller, who was sent to Washington last February as part of the trade that briefly brought Jan Vesely to Denver; and NeNe, who was part of the deal that netted the Nuggets JaVale McGee back in 2012 (I don’t suppose the Wizards would be willing to let Denver have a do over on that trade, right?).
Despite struggling with a recent injury, Nelson has performed well during his short time in a Nuggets uniform. But the fact that he has been one of the voices that’s publicly rebuked some of head coach Brian Shaw’s criticisms of the team indicates he may not be part of Denver’s long-term plans. At this point, with the season essentially lost, no player is untouchable regardless of his relationship with Shaw or the front office, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see Nelson dealt ahead of the deadline if a team is able to put together an attractive offer for the Nuggets.
Check back regularly throughout the week as we’ll be keeping an eye on all the trade rumors surrounding the Nuggets leading up to the Feb. 19 trade deadline.
Next: Nuggets Trade Rumors: Afflalo, Foye and Nelson
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