Denver Nuggets: Three trade targets on the wing
By Sean Carroll
Denver Nuggets wing trade targets: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
I might not be putting Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on this list 24 hours ago. He’s an ideal, low-usage 3-and-D wing and the Washington Wizards need what he brings.
During halftime of the Wizards’ win over OKC, KCP and Montrezl Harrell got into a physical altercation and the two needed to be separated according to Shams Charania, The Athletic.
"“Sources said Harrell became upset with Caldwell-Pope for not passing him the basketball on a play before the first half concluded, and the two started jawing during the walk to the locker room. As the two exchanged words, Harrell and Caldwell-Pope took swings toward each other — with neither connecting — and became entangled before teammates separated them, sources said.”"
One fight doesn’t warrant immediately trading a player. This is also one of the only reported fights between teammates, I’m sure there are plenty that go unmentioned across the league.
If the Wizards did want to move on from the wing, Caldwell-Pope would fit like a glove in Denver. His versatility lets him guard one through three and it was on full display in the 2020 bubble when he played for the LA Lakers.
KCP could play the wing for the remainder of this season while fitting in and around MPJ and Murray when they’re back to full strength. He could even act in the Klay Thompson role that he plays with Stephen Curry, guarding the more talented wing player, letting them hide Steph on the weaker option but for Jamal.
On top of his defensive impact, KCP is shooting 39 percent on 3-pointers while taking 5.5 a night. He isn’t asked to put the ball on the floor much with the creators around him like Spencer Dinwiddie, Bradley Beal, and Kyle Kuzma and it’s working.
In terms of asking price, Denver might have to bowl over Washington to convince them of a trade. Would the Nuggets be happy parting ways with Bones Hyland and possibly even a first-round pick to get KCP on their roster? Maybe, but if those two assets are on the table, could Denver dream bigger?