The Nuggets were one of the last teams in the NBA to make a trade this season as the minutes ticked away before 1 PM MT on Thursday. But shortly before the buzzer, Denver pulled off the move that everyone expected, salary-dumping Hunter Tyson to the Nets and ducking out of the luxury tax.
This was a goal clearly stated by ownership before the season, and despite the Nuggets being ready to contend for a title with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray squarely in their primes, the priorities have been financial above all else.
It’s frustrating that they aren’t willing to pay up in the heart of this window, but it’s something that was expected after massive tax bills in recent years, and with another one looming next year (and beyond). At the end of the day, at least they didn’t give up a 1st round pick to dump a bad contract, or a meaningful player like Julian Strawther, or god forbid, Peyton Watson.
We don’t have to rehash the missteps that led to the point where Denver had to sell off parts just to gain roster flexibility in the Calvin Booth era, but all things considered, and recognizing the financial restrictions from ownership, things could be a lot worse.
Denver still boasts one of the best and deepest rosters in the league, and they’ll have some tough decisions to make this summer, mostly because Peyton Watson has played himself into a huge contract, but hopefully, ownership will be ready to go way over the tax again next season (If they’re not, we’ve got much bigger problems).
Nuggets convert Spencer Jones and spot for buyout target
By getting Tyson off the roster, the Nuggets freed up the roster spot to convert Spencer Jones’ two-way contract to a standard deal. That’s huge because Jones was out of eligibility and would not have been able to play in another game this season, including the playoffs.
Also, they still have one more roster spot and will be able to add a veteran minimum guy for the rest of the season without going back over the tax. There may not be a true game changer available on the buyout market, but another veteran, especially a ballhandler like Lonzo Ball, Chris Paul, or Mike Conley, could make a huge difference.
So, while there’s nothing particularly sexy about the Nuggets’ lone trade this season, the move actually accomplished some important goals and set them up to have every chance to win the title this year if the team can stay healthy, while creating the future flexibility to go all-in and try to maximize the rest of Jokic’s career.
There were no fireworks at the trade deadline, but ultimately, as things stand on February 5th, the Denver Nuggets are in a great position.