Denver Nuggets: Three possible trades for Kawhi Leonard

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SAN ANTONIO, TX – JANUARY 13: Pau Gasol #16 of the San Antonio Spurs, Kawhi Leonard #2 of the San Antonio Spurs, and Davis Bertans #42 of the San Antonio Spurs look on against the Denver Nuggets on January 13, 2018 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images) /

After months of speculation, on June 15th, Shams Charania revealed that Kawhi Leonard wants out from the Spurs. While initial reports suggest that his preferred destination would be the Lakers, the Spurs will certainly consider all trade proposals. In this article, we’ll look at whether the Denver Nuggets would be an ideal team for Kawhi, and what trade packages for him could look like.

So without further adieu, let’s get into it.

(Note: All stats via Basketball-Reference unless otherwise noted.)

Would Kawhi Leonard be a good fit on the Nuggets?

Any NBA GM should, of course, ask themselves this question before they trade or sign a player. Just ask Dan Gilbert and Cleveland’s front office if Isaiah Thomas was really the best fit for the Cavs, or Vlade Divac if signing George Hill or Vince Carter really adhered to his team’s timeline or best interests.

This question rarely applies to superstars such as Leonard, as any team would likely adjust their squad and style of play to get him. However, let’s just see how he would fit in on the Nuggets.

Denver seems to be one piece away from being a contender, with a rising star in Nikola Jokic, an established All-Star in Paul Millsap, and two young scoring aficionados in Jamal Murray and Gary Harris.

Adding Kawhi could certainly make this a top team in the West. There could also be a spot open at small forward, Leonard’s preferred position.

While Wilson Chandler, the Nuggets main starter at the position last season, has served the Nuggets well in his eight years on the team, he has hit the wrong side of 30, and it showed in his play this past year.