Denver Nuggets: Three More Possible Trades

Trade 2: Covington arrives in the Mile High

Robert Covington is an advanced stats darling. He’s top 7 in both PIPM and ESPN’s RPM. He’s the epitome of a”3&D” player. He’s shot the three ball at a mid-to-high 30’s percent clip his entire career (career average of 35.8%). His defense is respected league wide. He accumulates stocks (steals + blocks) better than almost anyone. He can guard all positions 1-4 and is stout enough in the post to not be a total mismatch on anyone.

Covington should be heavily prized by any team looking to upgrade going into the playoffs. Further than that, he’s under contract at a very reasonable $12M Annual Average Value through the 2021-2022 season.

His shooting is bound to improve as well if paired with an elite playmaker, something he hasn’t had since Ben Simmons.

Here’s the proposal:

The outgoing players in this deal would be the same for Denver as the last deal, but they would add a 2023 2nd round pick. They give up slightly more but for a player who is under contract at an affordable rate for another two seasons. Covington would likely be a better defensive fit, as well as a better fit in terms of culture. Morris would add more shooting, but Covington has more value in other areas. The Nuggets also avoid the luxury tax in this deal

The Timberwolves benefit from this deal pretty effectively. They obtain an NBA caliber foward. Covington’s defense is replaced to some degree by Jerami Grant’s ability to stifle wings. Grant also pairs well with Beasley in transition, an area in which the Timberwolves lack.

Beasley is a more efficient shot creator than any guard or wing currently on the Wolves. His spacing would assist Karl Anthony Towns tremendously. His defense is certainly flawed, but he’s grown in that area between this season and last. The Wolves also add a touch of draft capital a few years out.