Welcome to speculation season, Nuggets Nation. Teams are finally starting to show their true colors at the halfway point, prompting front offices to evaluate their current roster. As usual, contenders are looking for experienced veterans, rebuilders are on the hunt for picks, and fringe playoff teams are trying to add the final piece to push them into the promised land. With the Nuggets putting Jusuf Nurkic on the trade block and disgruntled stars being shopped, many fans want Denver to sell the farm. Although the Nuggets could acquire a top-tier talent, they would be mortgaging their radiant future for a short-term fix. As the trade deadline of February 23 inches closer, what should the Nuggets do?
No Big Trades
Surprisingly, at 18-25, the Nuggets are seated at the 8th spot in the Western Conference. If the Playoffs started today, Denver would play the number one Golden State Warriors as the biggest underdog ever in a series. After a horrendous 5 game losing streak which was set in motion by an utterly nonexistent defense, the Nuggets have won 4 of their last 6 convincingly. The Nuggets offense is one of the best in the NBA, largely thanks to Nikola Jokic's contagiousness on the passing side. Everyone is always looking to make the extra pass for the open shot, and the unselfishness has made quick work of opposing defenses. The subpar defense is slowly improving, although there's much more work to be done. Denver is starting to develop an identity, and their direction going forward has gained significant clarity.
Rumors surrounding stars have run rampant this season, and they're showing no signs of slowing down. Paul Millsap, Carmelo Anthony, and Demarcus Cousins have all been mentioned in reports during the last few months. Each of them has the ability to become an instant game changer for their select team, but almost every young player on the Nuggets' roster has a chance to develop into one. To acquire a superstar, the Nuggets would most likely have to give up future draft picks, veterans, and Faried/Barton/Nurkic. A star would for sure get Denver into the playoffs, but 5 years from now, they may leave or retire- leaving us with nothing. As more and more players become available towards the deadline, the Nuggets front office will face the tough decision of present or future.
Trade Nurkic and Nelson
Just because I say no big trades doesn't mean there can't be small ones. Jusuf Nurkic has expressed interest in being traded, as he has been reduced from a starter to a bench warmer. Although Nurkic is talented, there's simply no place for him in the rotation with Nikola Jokic having an amazing breakout run. While Jameer Nelson has been a great player for the Nuggets at times, he has never had very consistent numbers. With Mudiay temporarily sidelined on 1/22 versus the Minnesota Timberwolves, Nelson had the chance to prove he needs more minutes at PG. Instead, Jamal Murray exploded for a 17p/5r/3a night in only 20 minutes of playing time at PG, a position he has never played with the Nuggets. Nelson, on the other hand, had 9p/2r/2a in 28 minutes. Don't forget Jameer also elected to run an iso for the Nuggets last shot, which resulted in him dribbling around like a headless chicken for 20 seconds and then chucking up a contested no-good jumper. Not the smartest decision by a seasoned veteran.
What would a trade involving these two look like? There are 2 things Denver should be looking to get out of a Nelson/Nurkic trade: One, more playing time at PG for Jamal Murray, and two, a center who is content playing as a backup. There are some teams in the West who may be willing to give a lot for Nurkic and Nelson, but we don't want to help out any teams like Portland, Minnesota, or New Orleans as they are also fighting for the 8 seed. That leaves Western contenders and all Eastern teams on the table. There isn't an obvious trade that has materialized yet, but there are many teams around the league looking for a good center and a veteran point guard.
Trading Nurkic and Nelson would pay dividends in the future. Jamal Murray would take over Jameer's minutes, allowing him to get back into his hot rhythm of December. Jokic would have at least 30 minutes of pure greatness, with his backup playing an important relieving role. A Nurkic/Nelson trade must happen, as it would give us the best chance to make the playoffs this year and beyond. Continuity is how teams like the Warriors and Spurs came to be. Let's follow in their footsteps.
