The Denver Nuggets suffered a significant setback as rising star Michael Porter Jr. will miss the rest of the season. He will undergo back surgery, which will be a detrimental blow to the Nuggets.
The team has faced many injuries to key players, leading to a 9-10 start to the campaign. The Nuggets sit in 10th place in the Western Conference and will have a difficult road to the NBA Playoffs. Nikola Jokic has been sidelined for the past four games, while star guard Jamal Murray has yet to play this season.
With so many injuries, it is essential for the Nuggets to make moves to improve the roster. Here are three trades the team could make with Michael Porter Jr. out for the season.
3. Goran Dragic for two second round picks
Dragic has had a disappointing season with the Toronto Raptors. It has been a disaster from the start due to the controversy of Dragic not wanting to be there, which he later took back. He now has fallen out of the rotation and is often getting DNP's.
The Nuggets need depth at almost every position, but adding a veteran guard could be key. In his five games this season, Dragic averaged 8.0 points per game along with 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists. He has been inefficient from the field at 38.2 percent and a mere 28.6 percent from deep.
A trade for Dragic would not cost a ton for the Nuggets, as the Raptors are not utilizing him in their rotation. As far as his contract, a trade would likely require the Raptors to take on some of the cost for the Nuggets to have the cap room to make the trade.
2. Hamidou Diallo for Bol Bol and a second round pick
Diallo has not had the same success as he did a season ago with the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons are in rebuild mode and are always looking to acquire more draft picks. While they may not want to trade Diallo, they would be getting a young player in return in Bol along with a second round pick.
Bol has not gotten many opportunities with the Nuggets despite their injuries. It is time for Mile High City to move on from him and acquire a player that could help them win. Diallo would add depth to the wing position and provide solid defense and some scoring.
This season, Diallo is averaging 6.6 points per game while shooting 52.8 percent from the field. He would be a great wing off the bench for the Nuggets and would fit well in Michael Malone's system.
1. Thaddeus Young for Bol and a first round pick
Young seems to be the trade target that makes the most sense for the Nuggets. He plays for the San Antonio Spurs, who could be sellers at the deadline. The Spurs are in the midst of retooling their roster and are building around budding players. Young doesn't fit the timeline of the team and would be a great fit with the Nuggets.
On the season, Young is averaging 7.1 points per game along with 3.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists. He could fit in the starting lineup or be the backup center or power forward. In order to acquire him, the Nuggets would likely give away Bol and a first round pick. This may seem like a lot, but Young contributes to winning basketball.
Porter's absence will be difficult for the Nuggets to overcome. They will have a challenging journey ahead to make a run in the NB Playoffs, but a few trades could help Jokic and company get back on track.
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