Why the Denver Nuggets should pursue Giannis

It may seem like a pipe dream, but certain rumors continue to swirl about a pending recruiting war for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Denver Nuggets have plenty of things going for them. They have talent all over the floor, a respected head coach, and a clear home-court advantage that will give them an edge in a playoff series.

While Giannis Antentokoumpo has made it clear that he wants to remain a Buck, that belief has been tested in recent weeks after it surfaced that the Golden State Warriors had been planning a pursuit of the greek freak for years. So why shouldn’t the Nuggets get in on the fun?

A move to get the superstar Buck would be one of the most expensive propositions in the team’s history. First round picks, starters, and cash considerations would only be part of what it would take for the Nuggets to even get the Bucks on the phone. But, could the Nuggets wait it out and pursue Antetokounmpo in free agency?

Clearling a max slot for him would not be simple. Paul Millsap and Mason Plumlee can’t be resigned this summer as a result, and other contracts would have to be moved. Ideally, Denver can retain both Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, but those two with Antetokounmpo would leave the rest of the roster dangerously thin.

However, a trio of Murray, Jokic, and Antetokounmpo would be as deadly a unit as any in the NBA, and would instantly solidify the Nuggets as sure-fire championship contenders. Three point shooting and perimeter defense would be all that is missing from a group that would possess enough star power to overcome any western conference foe.

While the Nuggets aren’t instantly thought of as a major free agent destination, they have had more success in recent years than is commonly understood. They reeled in Millsap on a deal that was surprisingly team friendly, and scooped up Isaiah Thomas for a few dimes on the open market.

The Nuggets were also among the teams that had an opportunity to acquire Chris Paul as his impending exit from the Clippers loomed. While that didn’t pan out, the mere fact that Denver was even brought up as a possible destination for the all-world guard is enough of an indication of what players and agents think of the team in and around the league.

For now, there is little to no reason to think the Nuggets have any kind of chance of securing the biggest of all fish. But should it become clear that Antetokounmpo is actually considering skipping town, the Nuggets should be among those involved.