Denver Nuggets: The Wilson Chandler Trades Part II- The West
By Tim Hart
Sacramento Kings
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Kings Unaffected, Nuggets Unaffected
This is a very balanced mock-trade. If it were to be accepted, both teams would likely do so in the name of changing things up.
Why the Kings would do it:
Rudy Gay has been a big part of their offense, but his inconsistency has hurt them. Putting Chandler in his place could provide the sort of predictable consistency that Sacramento needs. Yes, the duo of Cousins and Gay has given way to some seriously explosive nights. But, it has also yielded plenty of quiet nights that led to a losing record.
Swapping out Ben McLemore for Gary Harris would be the prize of this trade for the Kings. Moving forward with Harris as their starting SG is something that many NBA teams would love to do right now. The Kings would be lucky to have him. Replacing Casspi with Barton, as their sixth-man, would sacrifice some size and three-point ability for well-roundness, and more aggressive paint-scoring abilities.
This could all put the Kings in a better position to reach the playoffs in this upcoming season.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
If the Nuggets acquired Rudy Gay, they could easily turn him into their floor-spreading PF. He certainly has the size and athleticism for it. He can also shoot, and rebound. His addition into Denver’s starting 5 would payoff greatly.
They would experience some backlash from swapping Harris for McLemore. But still, McLemore is a decent role-playing SG. And, with Emmanuel Mudiay, Danilo Gallinari, Rudy Gay, and Nikola Jokic all on the same starting lineup, a role player could be just what the Nuggets would need. Omri Casspi would become their new sixth-man, and could supply the hot handed three-point threat that Denver craves.
This mock-trade would give the Nuggets a different look, one that could help them too have a better chance at reaching the playoffs.
Next: San Antonio Spurs