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Denver Nuggets: Three realistic predictions for the 2018-19 season

By Kevin Oestreicher

DENVER, CO - APRIL 1: Juan Hernangomez #41 of the Denver Nuggets and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets high five during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 1, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 1: Juan Hernangomez #41 of the Denver Nuggets and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets high five during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 1, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets during overtime of the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – APRIL 11: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves drives to the basket against Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets during overtime of the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

The Nuggets will make one trade before the end of the season

This prediction will hinge on the Nuggets performance during the season, but if all goes according to plan, Denver will want to improve their already talented roster for a playoff push. There isn’t a lot to improve on, as Denver boasts one of the deepest teams in the NBA, but anywhere you can find an upgrade, you should take it.

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Whether this one trade would be a splash or just a small upgrade is unclear. There have been rumblings that Denver could be a destination for Jimmy Butler, and giving up a package of Will Barton, Malik Beasley, Juancho Hernangomez, and a first round pick isn’t out of the question.

The newly signed Barton is eligible to be traded on January 15, 2019, and adding Butler would provide Denver with another superstar who is a great two way player. Adding Butler would also take an asset away from Minnesota, and while there is no guarantee Butler re-signs in Denver, he would instantly make the Nuggets championship contenders

The Nuggets could also make a smaller splash, acquiring an impact bench piece who could play right away and give them valuable minutes.

A backup shooting guard or small forward could be two pieces that would be an upgrade for Denver if they don’t want to wait on their younger guys to develop. A player like Jeff Green or Wayne Ellington would be a solid addition to the Nuggets bench, as they are examples of proven vets who could provide leadership and playoff experience to a young Nuggets team.

Whether it be a superstar or an impact role player, if Denver is in the thick of the playoff race, they should make a trade to bolster their rotation. Getting into the postseason this year is a must, so Denver should do anything it can to push their way in.

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