When Derrick White got traded from the San Antonio Spurs to the Boston Celtics earlier this year, fans were shocked. White was putting up career numbers in San Antonio, and had signed a 4-year $70 million contract with the Spurs just a few months earlier.
Though, I suppose when you’re offered Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford, a 2022 first-round pick and a potential 2028 first-round pick. It’s pretty easy to part ways with a 27-year-old shooting guard averaging less than 15 points per game and owed $68 million in guaranteed cash. Nevertheless, it was an unexpected trade, and one that could very well pay off for both franchises.
Which leads me to my third and final X-factor candidate for the Denver Nuggets in 2023, Gary Trent Jr.
Now, admittedly, the Denver Nuggets would have a far easier time going after a veteran like Terrence Ross, Caris LeVert or Tim Hardaway Jr. this offseason. All of whom likely wouldn’t cost anything more than Will Barton or Monte Morris and (maybe) a future second-round pick.
However, these are all players who would purely benefit the team from an offensive standpoint, not providing much in the way of defense. And quite frankly, defense (specifically along the perimeter) is Denver’s most pressing need right now.
So, similar to how the Celtics went all in for White, it might be worth it for the Nuggets to give up more if it means reeling in a player like Gary Trent Jr.
Thus far, Trent has fit in well with the Toronto Raptors. Ending last season as the team’s third leading scorer, averaging 18.3 points per game with .414/.383/.853 shooting splits. While finishing as one of the league-leaders in steals per game as well (1.7).
Over the last couple of years, he’s proven to be an explosive scorer who can heat up in a hurry. As well as a capable playmaker who just so happens to be one of the top young perimeter defenders in the league.
As a result, it would be surprising for Masai Ujiri to trade Trent at this moment. That being said, Masai isn’t particularly known to do things the traditional way, as he’s easily one of the more intrepid NBA executives in the association.
He’s also shown his willingness to completely reshape the team’s financial situation and build through the draft if he has to. E.g., Pascal Siakam, Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby, Scottie Barnes, etc.
Gary Trent Jr. currently has two years remaining on his three-year $52.8 million deal with the Raptors, who don’t necessarily have a reason to shop him. Although, I’m fairly confident that Masai would capitalize on the opportunity if you were to dangle a few assets in front of him.
In all likelihood, for a deal of this magnitude to go down, the Denver Nuggets would probably need to give up Will Barton or Monte Morris, another role player to salary-match (like JaMychal Green, assuming he re-signs) as well as a couple of future first round picks. Though (much like White and the Celtics) if it results in an NBA championship, I doubt anybody in the Mile High City will be complaining.