The trade deadline creeps closer, with the Nuggets still fighting for a playoff spot.
That task may be easier said than done, especially with the rough stretch the Nuggets are in right now. It started with Boston at home, and then they left that night for San Antonio, a game that they played the next day. Who’s left in this stretch? Oh, you know, just Oklahoma City and Golden State, no biggie.
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The Nuggets will have to play better in these next two games to avoid losing four in a row, the losses between the Celtics and Spurs actually coming down to a total of three points. From bone-headed decisions late in the game to injuries, Denver has found themselves short-handed lately.
This is why I am suggesting to try to make a deal for who many thought was an All-Star snub, Lou Williams.
Let’s face it, the Nuggets need a good small forward to do anything in the postseason. While Williams may not be a forward, I have an idea of a line-up that could satisfy that need.
Projected Starting Line-Up After Trade:
PG-Jamal Murray
SG-Lou Williams
SF–Gary Harris
PF-Paul Millsap*
C-Nikola Jokic
*currently injured
The Nuggets would have to play small ball, but I think this is a better line-up option than what they have now. Williams would be alright with it because he gets his chance to start on what could be a playoff team.
What would the Nuggets have to give up, you may ask?
If the Nuggets could get this deal, it should be a no-brainer. While Barton may have his moments for the franchise, he has been surrounded with some issues lately. He was the centerpiece (aside from Coach Malone) of the past two losses, and a lot of blame has been thrown on him. This being said, Barton can still ball, and the Clippers may realize this. Along with the draft picks, this rebuilding team could bite at this deal.
I like what this deal could do for Denver. It gets them another play-maker and lethal shooter, helping them make another push towards the postseason.
Next: Denver needs a different closer
Lou Williams is averaging 23.5 points, 5.2 assists, and almost three three-pointers per game on 44 percent shooting. (per basketball-reference)