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With Nikola Jokic currently doing all he can to keep Denver at bay, it's become quite obvious that the Nuggets need to do all they can to get some help for their franchise superstar. As the reigning league MVP and the most offensively gifted big man in the NBA, Jokic has once again showcased his value to the Nuggets and proven how much he can accomplish even with an injury-plagued supporting cast.
Currently playing without Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray in their rotation, Denver has had their fair share of challenges this season. Even though they've gotten some solid production from Aaron Gordon, Facundo Campazzo, Will Barton, Jeff Green, and Monte Morris, it hasn't quite been enough to keep them out of their current funk.
Given the competitive nature of the Western Conference and all the Nugs have gone through to start off their 2021-22 campaign, it goes without saying they need to get more help for Jokic. On that note, we'll take a look at the two players the Nuggets must pursue prior to the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline.
Nuggets Trades For the NBA Trade Deadline
Thaddeus Young
Their current lack of quality frontcourt depth and a veteran presence down low have made things difficult when they've gone up against some of the bigger teams in the league. Jokic and Gordon do make for an elite frontcourt pairing, but they lack depth outside of those two and adding a seasoned vet like Thaddeus Young would only do wonders for them. Now that Young has voiced his displeasures with the recent lack of playing time he's seen on the Spurs, this could be a golden opportunity for the Nuggets to acquire Young and bolster their front line.
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His mid-range game paired with his active hands in the paint, ability to protect the rim, and well-rounded post-game is a perfect match for Jokic's diverse skillset. Plus with his ability to run the floor, he'd be another mobile big that can spread the floor and benefit from Jokic's killer outlet passing. This move may not put them over the top, but it'd definitely provide the Nuggets with some much-needed size and length.
D'Angelo Russell
Even though the Timberwolves are a game and a half out of the eighth spot in the Western Conference and D'Angelo Russell's done well during his tenure in Minnesota, it may not be much longer until he falls out of favor with the organization. This would be due to the continued emergence of Anthony Edwards. As an NBA All-Star and elite combo guard, Russell would be able to take a big portion of the playmaking load off of Jokic while forming a lethal pick-and-roll duo with the reigning league MVP.
Plus Russell would also bring an explosiveness to their backcourt that's been sorely lacking with the absence of Jamal Murray. When Murray does come back healthy though, the idea of having a backcourt featuring Russell and Murray would be mesmerizing to opposing defenses and elevate their status as title contenders. If the Denver Nuggets want to continue climbing the ranks of the top-heavy Western Conference, then this is a move that they should look into ahead of the 2022 NBA Trade Deadline.
