The Denver Nuggets will pick 21st in the 2022 NBA draft. With Denver looking to contend for a championship in the foreseeable future, they might just consider flipping that pick for a win-now piece, though the Stepien Rule complicates the timing for when such a trade could go down.

The Nuggets were first-round exits in the 2022 NBA playoffs despite another MVP season from Nikola Jokic. The now two-time NBA MVP was a solo act for most of the 2021-22 regular season, as his two co-stars Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. were down with injuries. Murray missed the entire campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL. Meanwhile, Porter played just nine games before going down with a back injury. Denver expects both of them to return at full strength next season as the Nuggets embark on a potential title run in 2022-23.

With Jokic reportedly committing to stay by signing the largest supermax deal in NBA history, Denver should cash in now by bringing the Serbian superstar the best supporting cast possible. Looking at possible deals, here are three trades the Nuggets can make using the No. 21 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

3 best Nuggets 2022 NBA Draft trades using No. 21 pick

3. Lu Dort

Denver could land Lu Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder by sending over an intriguing prospect in Zeke Nnaji and the 21st pick. There's no knowing just how long Sam Presti is willing to fill his cupboard of picks. But with his known infatuation with them, the Nuggets should try their hand in offering their pick this upcoming draft to acquire Dort.

The Thunder guard is exactly the type of player the Nuggets need: a lockdown defender who can knock down shots from the perimeter. Dort isn't particularly dead-on from beyond the arc. But he's shown great strides with his three-point shooting after being deemed a non-shooter in his rookie campaign. Dort has shot 33.8 percent from three the past two seasons and at 23-years-old, there is a lot of room for him to improve. With the spacing he'll get in this Denver offense and Nikola Jokic's brilliance in passing and locating his teammates, the Canadian will get plenty of open looks that he could cash on in this Nuggets offense.

Of course, Dort will thrive most on the defensive end, where the Nuggets could really use his energy and tenacity on that end of the floor. Denver already has some capable wing defenders, but he would instantly become their best perimeter defender should they land him in a trade.

What makes this a cost-friendly deal for Denver is that Dort is still on his rookie salary. But there will be some risks in bringing him in. After his contract expires in 2023, he'll be an unrestricted free agent, which means he could walk away next year. Still, the Nuggets will have his bird rights and will be able to pay him the most money.

2. Alex Caruso

If Zach LaVine decides to walk from the Bulls, perhaps they might look to get a bargain for Alex Caruso. Should Chicago make the defensive stalwart available, Denver should go hard after the Bald Mamba. A potential deal for Caruso should involve the Nuggets' 21st overall pick and perhaps backup point guard Monte Morris to match salaries.

Like Dort, Caruso fills in a need for the Nuggets, especially on the defensive side of the floor. His numbers may not stand out, but 28-year-old is one of the most sound perimeter defenders in the NBA. Caruso is capable of playing both guard positions and would be a great fit with Jamal Murray in the Nuggets backcourt. In addition, he also brings great championship experience and has shown tremendous leadership qualities in the locker room.

Caruso's efficiency from three-point region dipped to 33.3% this past season from 40.1% the year before. That could be in part due to the increase in on-ball duties he had and the lesser open looks he had by no longer playing with the stature of a player like LeBron James. With Nikola Jokic, however, he could get the same looks he got in his final season with the Lakers.

1. Bradley Beal

If the Nuggets want to swing big, they should go after one of the biggest trade targets in the league. However, it will come at a premium price. The Washington Wizards will likely ask for Michael Porter Jr. in a potential deal, and the Nuggets could include this no. 21 pick as a sweetener.

Washington has nowhere to go with their current roster. They should strongly consider getting what they can for Beal in case he walks away after his deal expires next year. Beal would form a fearsome trio in Denver alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Though he had an injury-riddled campaign in 2021-22, which saw him miss the last 32 games of the regular season, the 3-time All-Star should be ready to go by next season.

The cost of trading away an exciting talent like Porter hurts. But given his injury history, it should be something they should consider, if it means bringing in an All-NBA talent like Beal.