Should the Denver Nuggets make a trade with the Indiana Pacers?
By Sean Carroll
The Indiana Pacers are ready to begin a “substantial rebuild”, moving on from their best players to prepare for the future. Could the Denver Nuggets swoop in and trade for some of these players?
The report, coming from Shams Charania and Bob Kravitz, The Athletic, says that following years of underwhelming playoff performances and the team’s lack of ticket sales has led to a change in direction.
"“Multiple sources said that the Pacers are receptive in trade dialogue with rival teams centered on potentially moving guard Caris LeVert and either two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis or center Myles Turner.”"
Should the Denver Nuggets make a move for one of these players? And building on that, should the Denver Nuggets make a move for anyone this season?
President of basketball operations Tim Connelly hasn’t thrown his hat in the ring for any potential trade thus far but injuries are making it a difficult decision.
Yes, the Nuggets are without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., two major pieces for this team, so they need to find a way to replace their production. But those two players, plus P.J. Dozier who tore his ACL two weeks ago, should be good to go by the start of next season and without making any moves, Denver is competing for a title next season.
But that doesn’t mean this season is completely meaningless, the team still has to play the games. It’s a perfect time to improve internally, see what the team has in terms of young talent, and integrate a new player.
Without adding any new players, the Nuggets are struggling to win games and when Nikola Jokic sits, the team is barely treading water. As head coach Michael Malone told Mike Singer, The Denver Post:
"“I could play Nikola 48 (minutes). That’s an option that’s certainly been discussed. I don’t think that’s good for his longevity. … Maybe we need to have two starters back in.”"
Should the Denver Nuggets trade for an immediate replacement for those two starters or should they stand pat? Let’s take a look at everything Indiana has to offer and whether it’s worth making a move for them.