3 Trades The Nuggets Could Consider This Offseason If They Lose To The Timberwolves

Heading into his final contract year with Utah for the 2024-25 season, Lauri Markkanen is on an expiring deal, which makes him an intriguing trade target. His three-point shooting, combined with his rebounding and rim protection, could be exactly what the Nuggets need to counteract the likes of Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns in the paint. Plus, Markkanen's European background might even spark some extra chemistry with Nikola Jokic, given their history of facing off in international tournaments.

Denver Nuggets receive: Lauri Markkanen

Utah Jazz receive: Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, 2030 first-round swap pick

Sure, losing Aaron Gordon would sting for Denver. He's been a solid contributor, but let's face it, Markkanen is a significant upgrade offensively. And he's no slouch on defense either. With the Nuggets having young talent like Peyton Watson waiting in the wings, ready to step up, the transition might be smoother than you'd think.

Watson, at 6'8", shares Gordon's physicality and could slot into the lineup as a stellar perimeter defender. Although he's not a three-point shooter, his ability to finish at the rim and exploit mismatches makes him a viable offensive piece, especially in the pick-and-roll plays with Jokic and Murray. With Markkanen poised as Plan A, this could really shake things up in a good way for Denver.

Markkanen's stats this season are telling: 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over 55 games, sinking 39.9% of his threes at 8.0 attempts per game. Compared to Gordon's 13.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 73 games, it's clear that Markkanen could offer more firepower and stretch the floor more effectively for the Nuggets.

Lauri Markkanen's potential fit with the Denver Nuggets hinges significantly on his ability to stretch the floor—a critical aspect that could elevate the Nuggets' offensive game. Given that Jokic operates predominantly from the high post and elbow areas, having a power forward like Markkanen who can consistently hit from deep would open up the floor immensely. This spacing is crucial, especially when facing teams like the Timberwolves, who have dominant interior defenders like Towns and Gobert.

Jerami Grant Might Be The Perfect Fit Still

Jerami Grant's journey since leaving Denver in 2020 has seen him transform into a fringe All-Star, honing his skills as a reliable three-point shooter and maintaining his reputation as a solid defender both inside and out. Now with the Portland Trail Blazers, where competitive success has been limited, a return to Denver could reignite his aspirations for an NBA championship.

Denver Nuggets receive: Jerami Grant

Portland Trail Blazers receive: Aaron Gordon, Christian Braun, 2026 second-round pick

After signing a hefty five-year, $160 million contract last offseason, Grant's deal might not look as appealing with a salary of $29 million for the 2024-25 season. For Portland, moving him might be a strategic decision to offload a large contract and bring in younger assets like Christian Braun, plus a draft pick, especially given Grant's market value at 31 years old.

Analyzing Grant's potential fit back in Denver requires looking at how his skills complement the team's needs. Unlike the earlier scenario with Markkanen, Grant brings a different dynamic, especially defensively. His ability to guard multiple positions due to his agility and length allows Denver to be more flexible and aggressive on defense. This versatility would be crucial in playoff matchups, particularly against teams with strong wing players.

Offensively, Grant's improved three-point shooting (40.2% on 5.2 attempts per game this season) adds a valuable weapon for the Nuggets. His ability to stretch the floor would provide Jokic more room to operate in the post and draw double teams without clogging the lane. Grant's presence also means the Nuggets can run more isolation plays for him when matchups favor it, given his scoring ability.

The proposed trade would also affect Denver's offensive schemes. Integrating Grant could lead to a more balanced offensive approach, where outside shooting and cutting play a larger role. His scoring versatility means he can be effective both as a spot-up shooter and in driving to the basket, providing a dual threat alongside Murray and Jokic.

The Nuggets Could Use A Shooting Backup For Gordon

If the Denver Nuggets decide to hold onto Aaron Gordon, they'll need to bolster their bench with a player who can offer solid three-point shooting while also being a competent defender. Keegan Murray, from the Sacramento Kings, could fit really well. This dual capability would allow the Nuggets to adapt seamlessly to various defensive strategies they might face.

Denver Nuggets receive: Keegan Murray

Sacramento Kings receive: Zeke Nnaji, Peyton Watson, 2030 first-round swap pick, 2026 second-round pick, 2029 second-round pick

Keegan Murray has been a key piece for the Sacramento Kings, but their absence from the postseason might prompt a rethink. Denver, looking to deepen their roster, could offer a package rich in young assets and draft picks, giving the Kings valuable tools for a potential star trade package later on.

Keeping Gordon while adding Murray provides Denver with a strategic Plan B at the power forward position. Moreover, should any injuries afflict Michael Porter Jr., Murray's versatility could see him slot in seamlessly at the small forward spot, covering multiple roles and providing the Nuggets with more lineup flexibility.

Murray's fit with Denver could be highly beneficial. Averaging 15.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists this season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 35.83% on 6.6 attempts per game, he brings a reliable perimeter threat that the Nuggets could use to stretch defenses. His defensive statistics of 1.0 steals and 0.8 blocks per game also demonstrate his capability to contribute on the other end of the floor.

Integrating Murray into the Nuggets' system would likely involve utilizing him in various lineup configurations to maximize his shooting and defensive abilities. His presence would allow Denver to maintain floor spacing when Jokic or Gordon rests, ensuring that the offensive system remains effective without its primary playmakers. This spacing is crucial for facilitating driving lanes for guards like Jamal Murray and for maintaining an offensive threat from the bench, which can keep the pressure on opponents even when the starters are out.

A Very Harsh Reality Might Force Them To Improve

The Denver Nuggets, last year's champs, seemed to just slide by in the first round against the Lakers, clinching the series 4-1. But don't let that smooth series win fool you—the games were tighter than expected and highlighted some cracks in their armor. These issues were easy to brush off after advancing, but now they're getting a reality check from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves have come out swinging, putting the Nuggets in a tough spot with a 0-2 deficit as they head to Minnesota for the next two games. Facing the possibility of a stunning sweep, the Nuggets are in a pinch.

If they crash out of the playoffs in a spectacular fashion, it might just be the wake-up call needed to shake things up. This could mean saying goodbye to some familiar faces or bringing in new ones specifically tailored to handle teams like the Timberwolves, who seem to have built their squad with beating Denver in mind.

The reality of the situation is harsh but clear: the Nuggets might have to seriously overhaul their approach if they want to get back to the top. This playoff run could be a decisive moment that dictates how they rebuild and retool for the future.