Aaron Gordon trade and 4 other genius Nuggets moves Calvin Booth nailed

2. KCP trade

The Nuggets were still searching for a couple of role players after a disappointing first-round playoff exit in 2022. Jamal Murray was sidelined, but Denver did not have enough with him. They needed a strong 3-and-D wing to push them over the top, and new general manager Calvin Booth found the perfect target.

Will Barton and Monte Morris were key role players in Denver, but Booth was eager to upgrade to KCP. Since 2019, Caldwell-Pope has shot over 40 percent from 3-point range and was a key part of the Lakers championship team inside the bubble. His experience, versatility, and role buy-in were important to the Nuggets.

Denver won the championship in KCP’s first season. The 6’5 wing averaged 10.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 steals as he shot 42.3 percent from 3-point range. The looks were often wide open as The Joker drew the defense. This was a home run move. Calvin Booth knew just what the franchise needed and quickly added it to bring the championship to Denver.

There was one more crucial move that Calvin Booth helped make during his time as general manager. Tim Connelly was technically still in charge for this one, but the Nuggets would not win a ring without this crucial trade.