We know the Denver Nuggets need to improve after being eliminated in the second round of this season’s playoffs. But we’ll see if Denver chooses internal development, a trade, or both as the path to get there.
The Nuggets’ few trade chips are clear. It doesn’t appear Denver is motivated to trade any of their starters or Christian Braun/Peyton Watson off their bench. Zeke Nnaji and Reggie Jackson are a different story.
If Jackson opts out of his contract, the Nuggets could have about $14 million in trade money on hand — plus future draft picks — to go out and find a contributor. Denver could package Jackson and Nnaji in a deal as long as they stay below the second apron, which they should do if/when Kentavious Caldwell-Pope opts out of his contract.
Here we go.
Nuggets add offensive firepower
Zeke Nnaji, Reggie Jackson, Hunter Tyson and a future 1st round pick for Bogdan Bogdanovic
There is a chance Denver loses Caldwell-Pope this offseason. If that happens, the Nuggets will need to find a way to add some offensive juice. Bogdanovic is an obvious trade candidate to Atlanta and fits the mold of an offensive player Denver could consider. Late last season, Bogdanovic found himself face-to-face with Hawks coach Quin Snyder on the sidelines. And with Atlanta landing the first pick in the draft, there’s a good chance they’ll gradually shift into asset generation mode and start coveting future first-round picks.
The Nuggets receive a backup point guard
Zeke Nnaji and a future 2nd round pick for Josh Giddey
The Thunder want to trade Josh Giddey. The Nuggets want to trade Zeke Nnaji. Denver needs a backup point guard, the Thunder would like a young, cost-controlled player they can take a chance on. You could take on a Nnaji recovery project if you’re another team with a good developmental track record (and a renowned shooting coach like Chip Engelland, like OKC). I heard the Thunder were also interested in Nnaji in the past. Giddey can’t shoot, but he has good size and is an elite passer and table setter. Maybe Denver should give up more than that, but Giddey’s past off the field would pose questions for any team trading for him.
The Nuggets receive a backup point guard (who is also Serbian)
Zeke Nnaji and a future 2nd round pick for Vasilije Micic.
Micic landed in Charlotte halfway through last season and played well. He averaged 11 points and 6 assists in 27 minutes per game (21 starts). But that was with LaMelo Ball injured, and I wonder if the Hornets will want to reserve playing time for their young, developing point guards like Tre Mann and Nick Smith Jr., in whom they invested a 2023 first-round pick. Micic is also of course Serbian and has played many matches alongside Nikola Jokic for his country. There is a natural chemistry there.
The Nuggets benefit from a backup center
Zeke Nnaji, Reggie Jackson and a future 2nd round pick for Steven Adams
Adams was hurt all of last season with a knee injury, but should be good to go for next season. If healthy enough, he would be a great option at backup center, a position the Nuggets need to improve this summer. I bet the Rockets could get a better deal than this if Adams hits the market.
The Nuggets receive a backup point guard
Zeke Nnaji, Reggie Jackson and future 2nd round picks for Dennis Schroder
Schroder is coming off a great year in Brooklyn where he averaged 14.6 points, 6 assists and shot a career-best 41.2% from 3. He would immediately solve the Nuggets’ backup point guard question . But I’m not sure the Nets would look to deal Schroder with their questionable depth at the position and the fact that there’s no point in tanking them since they don’t have a draft pick of their own next season.
The Nuggets strengthen their frontcourt depth
Zeke Nnaji, Reggie Jackson and a future 1st round pick for Bobby Portis and Chris Livingston
Bobby Portis is a proven frontcourt piece who has been experienced in the playoffs. The Bucks could look to go in a different direction with their roster. Portis is good and it might take a first round pick to get him out of Milwaukee. He could play backup center for the Nuggets and would be the ideal player to add to the playoff rotation.
Nuggets receive KCP replacement
Zeke Nnaji, Hunter Tyson and a future 2nd round pick for Corey Kispert.
I don’t know if the Wizards would move on from Kispert. Perhaps the Nuggets should include a future first-round pick to move this deal forward. But if Denver loses Caldwell-Pope, Kispert could be a backup — at least on the offensive end of the floor. He shot 38.3% on 6.3 3-point attempts per game last season. I heard Kispert has fans within the Nuggets organization.
Nuggets adds backup center
Zeke Nnaji and a future 2nd round pick for Jock Landale
Landale would serve as a playable backup center to spell Jokic. He’s not sexy or a flashy offensive player, but Landale could be a regular backup at the five, something the Nuggets should commit to before next season. They need to find ways to rest Jokic, who could come out of an Olympic appearance for Serbia, unlike this year.
Nuggets adds backup center
Zeke Nnaji, Reggie Jackson and a future 1st round pick for Kelly Olynyk
Olynyk is a backup center who could make a real difference for the Nuggets next season. But I’m not sure how eager the Raptors are to move him after reviving the Canadian in an extension after trading him this season. It is an offensive weapon that defenses must take into account. This would help the Denver bench a lot.
Nuggets adds backup center
Zeke Nnaji, Reggie Jackson and a future 1st round pick for Isaiah Stewart
Stewart is now a backup in Detroit following the emergence of Jalen Duran as the Pistons’ center of the future. Stewart also comes with additional baggage after the multiple altercations he’s been in over the past two seasons. He would give the Nuggets some muscle and advantage inside. Denver liked Stewart in the 2020 draft, but that was during the Tim Connelly regime.