Trade talks around the Nuggets have quieted a bit recently as a few things are working against the team. They have no draft capital to get involved in deals for some of the role players we’ve seen moved, like Dorian Finney-Smith, Dennis Schroder, and Nick Richards.
On top of that, the team’s only movable contract with any real value belongs to Michael Porter Jr. But MPJ has been playing great lately, and based on the trade market, the Nuggets seem to have come to the conclusion that Porter Jr. is more valuable to Denver than any player or package they might be able to get in return.
At the same time, it’s still clear that the team could use an upgrade to the roster if they are serious about contending for a title. They’ve been playing much better recently, but there are still some questions about depth.
They could still use shooting, defense, and frontcourt help, especially when the playoffs start and they are playing the best teams around the league. But it’s going to be challenging to find a way to add a meaningful player with the limited assets available.
Nuggets scouting Chris Boucher for possible trade
One player who has emerged as a potential realistic option is a backup big man for the Raptors, Chris Boucher. Boucher is a tall, skinny power forward/center who has a solid outside game and can really space the floor. He’s been playing well off the bench, scoring double-digit points and hitting multiple threes in a number of games.
The Nuggets have never had a solid backup big man for Jokic or a true stretch big. That was the idea in signing Dario Saric, but it hasn’t worked out at all as Saric appears to be washed up and on his way out of the league sooner than later. But Boucher could certainly fill that role and should be able to play alongside the Joker if needed as well.
The Raptors are ready to embrace the tank and they would be wise to trade veteran players like Boucher, Bruce Brown, and others. Boucher is on a $10.8 million expiring contract, something the Nuggets could match with Dario Saric and one small contract. It’s unclear what they could add to sweeten the deal, but they’d have to throw in something.
Ian Begley of SNY reported that “Boucher has fans within the Nuggets organization” and then Raptors reporter, Adam Laskaris reported on Monday that the Nuggets had staff listed in attendance in Toronto on Monday night for the Raptors’ game against the Warriors.
The Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Memphis Grizzlies all have staff listed as in attendance tonight at Raptors—Warriors. @IanBegley noted earlier that “Boucher has fans within the Nuggets organization.”
— Adam Laskaris (@adam_la2karis) January 14, 2025
This doesn’t mean a trade is inevitable or anything, and Laskaris also reported that other teams were in attendance to scout Boucher. The best Denver can really offer is a future 1st-round pick swap. Giving a true 1st would be a mistake, as would giving up a rotation player. But beyond that, there’s not much the team can do to outbid any other potential suitor.