Denver Nuggets: The Wilson Chandler Trades Part II- The West
By Tim Hart
LA Lakers
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Lakers +5 Wins, Nuggets -4 Wins
This mock-trade seems to immediately favor the Lakers, and it likely would. But the Nuggets could stand something to gain as well.
Why the Lakers would do it:
First off, they would be getting rid of Nick Young. Secondly, this trade would bring a huge swing their way. Also, their recent signings suggest a more urgent desire for immediate success. If the Lakers are ditching the whole “development and rebuilding” thing, and going for more of a head-hunting rehash, then this mock-trade would be taken in a heartbeat.
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Julius Randle has shown great potential, but he is also young and inexperienced. Kenneth Faried, Will Barton, and Wilson Chandler all have the athleticism to fit in with LA’s young back-court. They also have the NBA experience that the organization may be after. This trade would be expensive, but the team’s firepower would see an immediate boost. The Lakers don’t seemed concerned about money at the moment. They are paying Mozgov $16 Million a year. They would be fools not to take this deal.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
The Nuggets need a floor spreading PF, and Randle has the appropriate capabilities. He is also only 21, which would make him perfect for Denver. The organization seems, unlike LA, completely set with developing their youth, and molding a team for the future, bound by experience and chemistry. Louis Williams could replace Will Barton’s position as sixth-man, and supply similar production. He is more of a shooter than Barton, which could help Denver fix some issues, especially beyond the arch.
Nick Young and Jose Calderon wouldn’t see much playing time, nor should they. Their inclusion in the trade is merely for salary cap reasons. This trade would really be done for the addition of Julius Randle to the Nuggets’ young core. Faried and Chandler just happen to be expendable.
When you think about it, adding Randle to the starting 5, and having Williams coming off the bench instead of Barton, just doesn’t sound like it should set the Nuggets back 4 games. The trade machine could be wrong. This could be a good move, especially moving forward.
Unless Gallo got injured again, then they’d be screwed. Darrell Arthur would make for a better replacement than Nick Young.
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