Nuggets gifted perfect opportunity to trade for young scoring dynamo

They may not get another chance like this
Phoenix Suns v Houston Rockets
Phoenix Suns v Houston Rockets | Alex Slitz/GettyImages

The Nuggets don’t have many means to tangibly improve the roster unless they are willing to make major trades that break up the team’s core. But one unlikely opportunity has emerged as Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype has reported that Denver is interested in trading for Cam Whitmore of the Rockets.

Whitmore was a top prospect in the 2023 NBA Draft, but infamously fell all the way to the 20th pick, where Houston was able to select him. But his path to playing time has been blocked by the Rockets' glut of young wings on the roster.

The situation was further complicated after the team traded for Kevin Durant, signifying their clear pursuit of immediate contention. That’s going to make it very difficult for Whitmore to carve out a role, and even more so as the team is now vying to sign another big wing in Dorian Finney-Smith.

Scotto also added that Whitmore was almost included in the KD deal, but the Suns opted for more 2nd-round draft pick capital instead. So he’s clearly available and will likely have a chip on his shoulder, looking to prove he belongs in the league.

Whitmore would be an ideal young talent for the Nuggets’ bench

The Nuggets have almost no path to acquiring a young player as talented as Whitmore, so trading for him makes a ton of sense. He has proven his ability to score, and he has the size and athleticism to defend. If he can embrace a role as a 3&D player on the wing with some extra ability to create, he could be a massive boon for the Nuggets’ bench.

Still just 20 years old (for a few more days), Whitmore would also immediately become the young player on the team with the most upside. With a real opportunity playing alongside Nikola Jokic, Whitmore could develop into a true star on the wing and could help extend Denver’s contention window and make Michael Porter Jr. expendable.

This is a no-brainer trade for a player whose value seems to be depreciated right now. He’s still just on a rookie deal, making $3 million and change. The Nuggets could easily match the salary with any player near the end of the roster, and it sounds like throwing in a future 2nd-round pick may be enough to get this done.

The Nuggets should be chomping at the bit to get this deal done. Adding a player as young and talented as Whitmore without sacrificing meaningful salary or future assets would be massive. They would still have the opportunity to use the TPMLE and minimums to sign veterans, and could suddenly be looking at a deep and versatile roster.