According to The Athletic, Nuggets primary target ahead of the trade deadline is Chicago’s Zach LaVine, but the Bulls guard isn’t the only name on Denver’s radar.
JOKIC AT THE CENTER, EVERYTHING ELSE CAN CHANGE
After an inconsistent start to the season, which has left them in 5th place in the Western Conference standings, the Nuggets are left with one undeniable truth: Nikola Jokic is still the best basketball player in the world. However, the pieces around the Serbian star need to change, as the current roster doesn’t seem capable of competing for the title.
WHO COULD BE TRADED
To make a serious push to return to the NBA summit after their historic 2023 championship win, the Nuggets might look to shake things up in the trade market. Securing a high-profile player would likely require parting with a key piece, and Michael Porter Jr. appears to be the most likely candidate if a significant trade opportunity arises. The Nuggets have several targets in mind, starting with some of the top players currently available.
ZACH LAVINE, CHICAGO BULLS
The Nuggets are primarily looking for a player who can create his own shot without relying on teammates and consistently put up points. These have been Zach LaVine’s specialties since he entered the NBA. Now, with his departure from Chicago seeming imminent, the former Minnesota Timberwolves guard could be the perfect addition to shake up Denver’s offense.
The team currently relies heavily on Jokic, and during the limited minutes when the Serbian star is off the court, their offensive effectiveness drops significantly. LaVine could be the solution to this issue.
OTHER OPTIONS
JORDAN POOLE, WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Jordan Poole brings high-level experience, having played a significant role in Golden State’s championship win just over three years ago. While his last two seasons have been underwhelming, Poole could still be a viable alternative to LaVine. The guard, now with the Wizards, may not be on the same level as the Bulls star, but he comes with a much less burdensome contract—an important consideration for the Nuggets as they look to make changes.
JONAS VALANCIUNAS, WASHINGTON WIZARDS
One of the Nuggets’ biggest challenges has been managing the minutes when Nikola Jokic is on the bench without suffering a dramatic drop in performance. This issue has long plagued Denver and remains unresolved. Jonas Valanciunas, with his physicality and ability to rack up points and rebounds, could provide a strong presence as a backup. His addition would elevate the second unit, giving coach Malone a reliable option to maintain competitiveness when Jokic rests.
JORDAN CLARKSON, UTAH JAZZ
As another alternative to Zach LaVine, Jordan Clarkson offers a more affordable solution to the Nuggets’ need for an offensive creator who can deliver a significant scoring punch. The former Sixth Man of the Year (2021) appears to be nearing the end of his stint with the Jazz. Clarkson could make an impactful addition off the bench, addressing Denver’s offensive gaps without the financial strain of a marquee signing.
