4 Denver Nuggets that could be traded this season
By Tyler Watts
3. Zeke Nnaji
Nnaji landed a four-year $32 million rookie extension before the season. Fans thought it would mean more playing time and a larger role, but his minutes are down for a second straight year. He is producing 3.7 points, and 2.4 rebounds in 10.3 minutes per game. There is little to be excited about, and it may be time for the Nuggets to move on.
The 22-year-old has untapped potential, but there is no room to play more in Denver. 92 percent of his minutes this season have come at the five. Nikola Jokic is the best player in the world and will play 35-plus in close games. Nnaji can play the four, but Aaron Gordon takes the majority of those minutes. There is just not much room for the first-round pick in 2020.
Trading Nnaji won’t be easy. His extension makes him subject to the Poison Pill Provision. Devin Harris going from the Mavericks to the Nets in 2008 is the last player to be traded under this rule. Nnaji's salary counts for more to the team receiving him than this year’s number.
The Denver Nuggets could explore his market in hopes of finding a believer in his talent. Rebuilding teams want young pieces on controllable contracts. Zeke Nnaji may never be a star, but he could blossom into a rotation option as a franchise exits its rebuild.