Kentavious Caldwell-Pope credits superagent Rich Paul for engineering the trade that brought him to Denver. The Nuggets acquired the sharpshooting guard from the Wizards, giving Caldwell-Pope — who won it all with the Lakers three years ago — another shot at a title, Mike Singer of the Denver Post writes.
“It was a breath of fresh air,” he said. “I got a chance to compete for a championship again. Just knowing this team from playing them, I knew what we had and what I was coming into.”
We have more from the Northwest Division:
- The Nuggets held training camp in San Diego last fall and look back at those days as their beginning of their championship run. They forged chemistry during those days, leading to trust and unselfishness on the court, according to Harrison Wind of TheDnvr.com. “I could tell from Day 1 of training camp in San Diego that this group was going to be special,” coach Michael Malone said.
- Illinois State wing Seneca Knight and North Carolina State guard Jarkel Joiner are among the prospects who will work out for the Jazz on Thursday, Eric Walden of the Salt Lake Tribune reports. Knight averaged 12.3 points and 5.9 rebounds last season, while Joiner averaged 17.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
- The Suns may look to deal center Deandre Ayton and the Jazz have been mentioned as a potential landing spot. With Walker Kessler entering his second season after a strong rookie campaign, Walden explains in a separate Salt Lake Tribune story why there’s no reason for Utah to expend draft capital on Ayton.
KCP is the definition of a journeyman, this will not be his last opportunity in a Finals. His skill set is always in demand.
Calvin Booth deserves a lot of credit. The KCP trade and Bruce Brown signing have proven to be two great additions.
Brilliant additions. Getting rid of Barton was a massive addition by itself. It’s so enjoyable to watch this nuggets team and not have to worry about Barton blowing it
Ya I think right around then, I suggested he might be executive of the year. Really liked how he addressed what had long been their biggest issues. My only problem was signing DeAndre Jordan, b/c I felt like he didnt give them anything they needed, and still dont have, out of that spot. They needed a rim protecting, pick and roll defending backup big, or a smallball 5 option that could maybe stretch the floor as well. That obviously didnt really end up mattering b/c they used Aaron Gordon as a smallball 5, and they stayed relatively healthy, so ya…great job by Booth
I thought it started with summer league too, b/c the guys they brought in meant they were serious about finding those pieces to fix their issues defensively on the wing/at guard
The Suns seem to make a habit out of waiting too long to take action. They could’ve traded Ayton last Summer to get KD. This might have meant not having to give up all their depth like they did instead.
At no point was that possible. The price was always the same. The new owner decided to pay it; it’s that simple
It was before Ayton signed his offer sheet from the Pacers. There was a scenario where the Jazz would get Ayton, Suns get KD, and the Nets would get a bunch of stuff from the Jazz and Suns.
But nobody wanted Ayton…phoenix knew what type of big he is and what price they didnt want to go over, even though they also knew they probably had to keep him if they couldnt find anyone to take hom in a sign and trade. Now they’re trying to move him again for that same reason
Only certain bugs should be paid more than a certain amount, and he isnt one of them
I also don’t see the Jazz trading for Ayton. He doesn’t fill a need anymore. The Jazz instead need more perimeter defense, like most every other team.
Suns should trade Ayton for defense, and rebounding.