Denver Nuggets: The Pelicans should trade Anthony Davis to the Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets should considering putting together a trade package for Anthony Davis
The Nuggets should consider offering a trade package for Anthony Davis.
The Los Angeles Lakers are the only team that has publicly made a trade offer for AD.However, it has been rumored that other teams are interested in trading for Anthony Davis.
The Denver Nuggets have many valuable pieces, and future draft picks to make an attractive trade package for AD. In a trade package, the Nuggets could potentially offer their 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2026 first round picks to the Pelicans. These picks have not been traded by the Nuggets.
However, it is unclear if AD would commit longterm to playing for the Nuggets.
So, should the Pelicans consider trading AD for four first round picks? Absolutely. It is better than losing him for nothing.
The only thing that is certain in the “dumpster fire” within the Pelicans’ Organization is that AD is likely going to leave the Pelicans. And the longer the Pelicans wait to trade AD, the less they can get for him in a trade.
Moreover, if AD starts winning with the Nuggets, there is a good chance he could sign a longterm contract with the Nuggets.
Without AD, the Pelicans still have a talented squad that features Julius Randle, Elfrid Payton, E’Twaun Moore, Darius Miller, and Jahlil Okafor.
The ideal situation for the Nuggets would be if AD committed to playing long-term with the Nuggets. Building a team around AD, Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. would make the Nuggets instant title contenders. In this case, it would be advantageous for the Nuggets to even give up some of their young players and four first-round picks to make the trade happen. However, the Nuggets should not consider moving Murray, Jokic, or MPJ.
MPJ could have a lot of upside for the Nuggets. Giving up a talent like Michael Porter Jr could be a generational mistake for the Nuggets franchise. In the future, Michael Porter Jr could very well be as good of a better player as AD. Due to the risk involved, the Nuggets should consider retaining as many of their young players as possible if they try to trade for AD.
The Nuggets could offer Jarred Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley, Monte Morris, and Tyler Lydon with the four draft picks for AD. This deal would enable the Pelicans to restart their franchise and get good role players for their team. This deal would be by far the most attractive offer the Pelicans could receive for AD.
During the regular season, the Lakers offered Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Ivica Zubac and a first-round draft pick to the Pelicans for AD.
Considering that the Lakers no longer have Zubac and that Ingram may have health issues, a deal with the Nuggets would be by far more attractive for the Pelicans.
The New York Knicks could also trade for Anthony Davis. However, it is unclear what they could offer the Pelicans. The Nuggets could easily match any offer made by the Knicks.
Al Horford, Kyrie Irving, and Aron Baynes have player options this summer. The Boston Celtics may not be in the position this summer to trade for Anthony Davis.
The Pelicans would benefit greatly from trading AD to the Nuggets. And since AD is likely leaving the Pelicans, getting something for him is better than nothing.