It’s officially trade deadline week in the NBA and as we countdown to 3 PM Eastern Time on Thursday, the rumors will only continue to swirl and ramp up. There have already been a number of deals to go down including two massive blockbusters over the weekend that saw Luka Doncic dealt to the Lakers, Anthony Davis shipped to the Mavericks, De’Aaron Fox off to the Spurs, Zach LaVine headed to the Kings, and more.
We still haven’t seen the Nuggets make any moves despite a clear need for talent and depth upgrades to the roster. The team has extremely limited draft capital to work with and they’ve got a number of salaries that are hard to move.
They should be open to almost anything if it can help the team, but here’s a breakdown of where each player stands, from untouchables to guys that Denver should be willing to drive to the airport immediately.
Completely off-limits no matter what: Nikola Jokic
Jokic is the best player in the NBA, he’s a champion, and a three-time MVP. By all accounts, he’s happy in Denver and he’s just 29 years old still. The Joker is the best thing that has ever happened to the Nuggets franchise and the thought of trading him should be almost unfathomable.
Off-limits due to extensions…but maybe someday: Jamal Murray & Aaron Gordon
Gordon and Murray have been the Nuggets’ second and third-best players for the past few seasons and they are integral parts of the team. If Denver were to entertain trading either one, it would have to be for a legitimate star who fits in perfectly. And even then, it would be a tough decision.
But that’s not a decision the Nuggets will have to think about this season as both Murray and Gordon signed contract extensions in the Fall that make them ineligible to be traded this season. So at least before the trade deadline, Murray and Gordon will be staying put.
Got to give something to get something: Michael Porter Jr., Christian Braun, Peyton Watson
MPJ is really the Nuggets’ only movable salary with any value. He’s been the main piece dangled in any potential deal for a star player, but at this point it appears that the best move may be to keep Porter Jr.
Braun and Watson are critical role player and young pieces that Denver has invested in heavily The front office is expecting these guys to be key contributors for a long time to come. But neither one is on a star trajectory and due to the Nuggets’ lack of assets, they may have to end up including one of them as sweetener if they want to take a big swing.
If it’ll grease the wheels, then fine: Julian Strawther & DaRon Holmes II
Strawther and Holmes are also valuable young players but not as solidified as Braun and Watson. Holmes is a rookie who has never played an NBA game as he tore his achilles in Summer League. He’s still expected to be an important player for the Nuggets, but he’s also one of the few prospects that may have trade value.
Strawther is in the rotation and has come on late with some big games. But he’s still a raw player with some clear flaws. If he’s the young piece needed to get a trade done for an impact veteran, then so be it.
What’s even the point?: Russell Westbrook & DeAndre Jordan
Trading either of these guys would be a shocker, but for different reasons. Westbrook has been one of the best value signings in the league for his vet minimum deal. He’s obviously not untouchable or anything, but it’s almost impossible to fathom a deal that would be worth trading him money-wise.
For Jordan, he’s just a locker room leader at this point with zero trade value. If his salary absolutely has to be included just to make the numbers work then great, but otherwise it makes no sense for anyone.
Just send back a bag of chips: Zeke Nnaji, Dario Saric, Jalen Pickett, Hunter Tyson, Vlatko Cancar
These are the first group of guys the Nuggets should be mentioning in any potential deal. They are wasting away on the bench, taking up roster spots that could go to better players, and in Nnaji and Saric’s cases, making the 5th and 6th highest salaries on the team. They simply need to be turned into better players by any means necessary.