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Denver Nuggets: Three trades to shed salary

By Kevin Oestreicher

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 06: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the first half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on December 6, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kenneth Faried
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 06: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the first half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on December 6, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kenneth Faried /
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(Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
(Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Trade #2:

This trade would help Denver in more ways than one. Giving up Mason Plumlee would leave Denver a little thin at the center position, but Trey Lyles and maybe a veteran signing could fill that gap.

Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets /

Denver Nuggets

In order for the Mavericks to take on salary, they would need a young asset in return. Malik Beasley is a player who hasn’t gotten a lot of playing time with Denver, but still has loads of potential. He averaged 3.2 points and 1.1 rebounds in just under 10 minutes per game. They would also receive a 2020 second round pick from the Nuggets, which would help entice Dallas even more.

Plumlee is a solid player. The Mavericks would be getting back a serviceable veteran who could teach valuable lessons to the young guys on their roster. He can also slot in behind Deandre Jordan as the Mavericks backup center. Dallas has a bit of cap room, so taking on Plumlee’s two year deal wouldn’t hinder the club for a long time.

Even with the addition of center Deandre Jordan, the Mavs probably wont be contending in the stacked western conference. Plumlee could help maximize Jordan’s time in Dallas, as Jordan only signed a one year deal. If Jordan bolts town next year, Plumlee could move to the starting center position.

The Nuggets would get back J.J. Barea. Barea averaged 11.6 points, and 6.3 assists for the Mavericks in 23 minutes per game. He was a solid backup point guard option for Dallas, and would fill the same role in Denver. Part of the Nuggets giving up a good veteran and a young piece has to do with the fact that Barea is a solid player, not just filler.

Plumlee isn’t a veteran who is on the tail end of his career and sits on the bench while making tons of money. He still helps his team win games, and still is considered a good NBA player. Although he has a big contract, the Nuggets should still get some sort of value for him.

This trade makes sense for both sides. The Mavericks get a quality veteran as well as a young piece, while the Nuggets shed salary and get a quality backup point guard, knocking out two needs with one move. Denver gets something for a contract they want to get rid of anyway, which would be considered a victory.

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