Despite a 22-28 record, the Nuggets find themselves within striking distance of a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Staked to a half-game lead in the eighth seed, Denver has outperformed expectations behind a breakout season from Nikola Jokic.
As Mark Kiszla pointed out in a Denver Post column, the Nuggets have a decision to make: pursue a No. 7 or 8 seed, or sell off their assets by the trade deadline? Wilson Chandler has been critical of his role (or occasional lack thereof) under coach Michael Malone, making him a logical trade candidate.
Malone firmly denied Emmanuel Mudiay‘s availability via trade, but several Nuggets remain viable trade chips; particularly Danilo Gallinari and Jusuf Nurkic. As of late January, Nurkic was rumored to be available in a package deal with veteran forward Kenneth Faried.
We know Nuggets GM Tim Connelly has a history of trade deadline activity; here’s what we want to know as February 23rd approaches…
Who would you like to see the Nuggets shop at the deadline? Would it be worthwhile for Connelly to keep his team intact while pursuing a playoff spot? Which team would be the most logical destination for Chandler?
Let us know in the comments section!
I could see Denver having pieces for a potential Butler deal, if he does in fact get moved.
Butler and Gibson for Jamal Murray/Emanuel Mudiay, Will Barton, Nurkic, Faried Memphis 2017 1st rounder and Denver’s 2018 1st rounder?
Sounds about right, maybe Denver getting another young player back however, like Jerian Grant
I could see a trade or two from the Nuggets. Chandler makes sense for the Celtics, for example, as long as they don’t have to give up a lot to get him. (A late first round pick + player off the bench for Chandler makes sense).
Now, if Nurkic and Chandler came over…I would do Crowder, Olynick, and the Nets pick this year. Upgrade the the front court for a championship run….I think it makes sense.
It leaves the C’s with a starting Five of PF – All Horford, SF – Chandler, C – Nurkic, SG – Avery Bradley, PG – Isaiah Thomas
Now granted… Not sure if it would work from a financial standpoint, haven’t tested that aspect, but the trade apps don’t put draft picks as available assets for the trades….so it leaves that a little flawed anyway.
Not sure if the Kings will ever trade Cousins. So….it might be in the C’s best interest to find whatever they can to upgrade that front court at least a little bit. If Denver would go for it, or the money works, again… Don’t know. But fun to think about anyway.
Not sure I see Celtics wanting to tie up cap space in Chandler because he’s not the missing piece that puts them over Cleveland. Nurkic is nice, but those aren’t the guys the Celtics want to spend the Nets pick on. I’d go Crowder, Olynck, 2 non nets first, and 2 second rounders.
I think thats a fair trade. Wilson can score in bunches and would be a nice 3rd option behind Thomas and Horford. And Nurkic can be a quality big man who can score a little bit rebound and block a few shots. Denver needs an identity behind Jokic and either needs to trade away the vets and give the kids minutes to develop. Or try and make a trade to bring in a star. They have plenty of assests to do so. They should build around Jokic and Murray.
Would there be a way the Celts could protect the nets pick in one of these trades? Top 3 or so?
Keep Chandler. Give him the start every night and trade Gallo.
like to see cavs trade Love, Andersen for Nelson, Nurkic, Faried and Denver’s 2018 1st rounder be good for both teams fresh start for Love
Cavs already have Faried. His name is Tristan thompson. Also, Denver has enough 4s. Love doesn’t make much sense there, in my opinion. AND finally, that wouldn’t be enough to get him
Would like to see the Hornets get Chandler or Gallo but unsure what Denver would accept. Denver needs 3 point shooting so Jeremy Lamb, Frank Kaminsky and two 2nd rounders might be acceptable for Chandler.