5 Trade targets Nuggets should explore after December 15

The Denver Nuggets have their sights set on a second straight championship. Nikola Jokic is the best player in the world, and the franchise believes this could be year two of a dynasty. They are near the top of the standings, despite a recent rough patch, but do the Nuggets need to add before the Feb. 8 trade deadline?

Denver lost Bruce Brown and Jeff Green in the offseason who were two of their top seven rotation players in the postseason. They may need some extra depth if their young talent isn’t ready to step up. Christian Braun has shown flashes, but will Michael Malone trust him in the playoffs? The Nuggets may have a hole to fill.

December 15 is an important day in the NBA calendar. Most players who were signed in the offseason become eligible to be traded, including Reggie Jackson, Justin Holiday, and DeAndre Jordan. The Nuggets will have more flexibility in making moves, but who could they acquire?

5. Torrey Craig

Craig got his first crack in the NBA in Denver where he became a quality rotation piece. He left after three seasons and signed with the Bucks in 2020. He has since played for four different teams, including his current franchise, the Bulls. Craig is getting 21.1 minutes per game and offering production, despite the team’s struggles.

The Nuggets would love to add another 6’7 wing, who can defend multiple positions and sink open shots. They have missed Bruce Brown and Jeff Green to begin the new season, and Craig could help make up for that lost production. He is not a lockdown defender or elite shooter, but Denver only has second-round picks to offer in trades. Craig is an affordable option who could play a key role in the playoffs.

The veteran wing is not the only Bulls target the Denver Nuggets might explore before the deadline.