Denver Nuggets: 3 trade-up scenarios in the 2021 NBA Draft

Denver Nuggets 2021 draft trade-up scenarios: Facilitating a Pascal Siakam-Warriors swap

John Hollinger, The Athletic reported last week, at the start of the NBA Draft Combine, that the Golden State Warriors will be looking around in the trade market after securing the seventh-overall pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"“The Warriors now have the seventh and 14th picks plus last year’s second overall pick, James Wiseman, and there is a widespread expectation that the Warriors will use number seven and Wiseman, in particular, to seek more immediate upgrades to the roster. One name to watch: Pascal Siakam.”"

The most likely scenario involves the Warriors sending Wiseman and Andrew Wiggins to Toronto for Siakam. It bolsters the Warriors roster that is looking for another star for a final championship push in Stephen Curry’s prime, but it digs away at the team’s depth.

That’s where Denver steps in. This trade sees Denver essentially turn the 26th pick and JaMychal Green (assuming he picks up his option) into the 14th pick.

By doing this trade, Denver saves some cap space, getting off of Green’s $7.6 million remaining, and can draft a better prospect with the higher pick. JaMychal was extremely solid this past season coming off the bench, but with Paul Millsap likely getting re-signed and Jamal Murray’s injury, there may be better uses of the salary space.

For the Warriors, filling out the rest of their roster gets tricky when adding Siakam. JaMychal would be a reliable big man option off the bench for the Warriors roster and can absorb Wiseman’s minutes (without the pressure of a second-overall pick).

Golden State also gets a shot with the 26th pick to draft a contributor on a cheap, late-first-round pick, similar to where they got Jordan Poole. Poole is now a staple on their roster and playing crucial minutes next season while being paid well under his value.

If you’re Toronto, you don’t mind what happens. This trade works with or without the Nuggets involvement. Denver doesn’t take away from the Raptors’ potential package unless they wanted seven and 14 for themselves, then it gets tricky.