10 fake trades that would help the Nuggets

We know the Denver Nuggets have to get better after this season’s second-round playoff exit. But we’ll see if Denver chooses internal development, a trade, or both as the pathway to make that happen.

The Nuggets’ few trade chips are clear. It doesn’t seem like Denver is motivated to trade any of its starters or Christian Braun/Peyton Watson off its bench. Zeke Nnaji and Reggie Jackson are a different story.

If Jackson opts into his contract, the Nuggets could have around $14 million in trade money right there — plus future draft picks — to go out and find a contributor. Denver could package both Jackson and Nnaji together in a deal as long as they remain below the second apron, which they should 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’s 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 a clear trade candidate in Atlanta and fits the mold of an offensive-first role player that Denver could look at. Late last season, Bogdanovic got into a face-to-face confrontation with Hawks coach Quin Snyder on the sideline. And with Atlanta landing the first pick in the draft there’s a good chance they gradually shift into asset generation mode and begin to covet future first-round picks.

Nuggets get 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 want a cost-controlled young player that they can take a chance on. You could talk yourself into a Nnaji reclamation project if you’re another team with a good track record for development (and a renowned shooting coach like Chip Engelland, like OKC has). I’ve heard the Thunder have had interest in Nnaji in the past too. Giddey can’t shoot, but he has good size and is an elite, elite passer and table-setter. Maybe Denver would have to give up more than this, but Giddey’s off-the-court past would present questions for any team trading for him.

Nuggets get a backup point guard (who’s also Serbian)

Zeke Nnaji and a future 2nd round pick for Vasilije Micic.

Micic landed in Charlotte at the midway point of last season and actually 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 carve out playing time for their younger, developing point guards like Tre Mann and Nick Smith Jr., who they invested a 2023 1st round pick in. Micic is also of course Serbian and has played many games alongside Nikola Jokic for their country. There’s a natural chemistry there.

Nuggets get a backup center

Zeke Nnaji, Reggie Jackson, and a future 2nd round pick for Steven Adams

Adams was injured all of last season with a knee injury but should be ready to go for next season. If he’s somewhat healthy, he’d be a great option at backup center, which is a position the Nuggets need to upgrade this summer. I bet the Rockets could get a better offer than this though if Adams goes on the market.

Nuggets get a backup point guard

Zeke Nnaji, Reggie Jackson, and future 2nd round picks for Dennis Schroder

Schroder’s 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’d 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 to them tanking since they don’t own their own draft pick next season.

Nuggets bolster their frontcourt depth

Zeke Nnaji, Reggie Jackson, and a future 1st round pick for Bobby Portis and Chris Livingston

Bobby Portis is a tried and tested frontcourt piece that’s experienced in the playoffs. The Bucks might be looking to go in a different direction with their roster. Portis is good and it might take a 1st round pick to pry him out of Milwaukee. He could play backup center for the Nuggets and would be the perfect big to add to the playoff rotation.

Nuggets get a KCP replacement

Zeke Nnaji, Hunter Tyson and a future 2nd round pick for Corey Kispert.

I don’t know if the Wizards would move off of Kispert. Maybe the Nuggets would have to include a future 1st round pick to get this deal moving. But if Denver loses Caldwell-Pope, Kispert could be a replacement — on the offensive end of the floor at least. He shot 38.3% on 6.3 3-point attempts per game last season. I’ve heard that Kispert has fans within the Nuggets’ organization.

Nuggets add a backup center

Zeke Nnaji and a future 2nd round pick for Jock Landale

Landale would slot in as a playable backup center to spell Jokic. He’s not sexy or a flashy offensive player but Landale could be a steady backup five, which it feels like the Nuggets should commit to heading into next season. They’ve got to find ways to rest Jokic, who could be coming off an Olympic stint for Serbia, unlike they did this year.

Nuggets add a backup center

Zeke Nnaji, Reggie Jackson, and a future 1st round pick for Kelly Olynyk

Olynyk is a backup center that could make a real difference for the Nuggets next season. But I don’t know how keen the Raptors are to move him after re-upping the Canadian on an extension after trading for him this season. He’s an offensive weapon that defenses actually have to account for. That would help Denver’s bench a lot.

Nuggets add a backup center

Zeke Nnaji, Reggie Jackson, and a future 1st round pick for Isaiah Stewart

Stewart is now a backup in Detroit after the emergence of Jalen Duran as the Pistons’ center of the future. Stewart also comes with some extra baggage as well after the multiple altercations he’s gotten into over the last couple of seasons. He’d give the Nuggets some muscle and edge inside. Denver liked Stewart in the 2020 draft, but that was under the Tim Connelly regime.