Nuggets news: Malik Beasley, Juancho Hernangomez may be traded

The Denver Nuggets are shopping some of their young talent ahead of the February trade deadline, with Malik Beasley and Juancho Hernangomez included.

The Denver Nuggets are shopping some of their young talent ahead of the February trade deadline, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Charania reported that Malik Beasley and Juancho Hernangomez are on the trading block after they turned down extension offers in October, but the Nuggets are asking for a lofty return:

The Nuggets has been open to discussing deals around young talents Malik Beasley and Juancho Hernangomez, but have asked for a high value ahead of the February trade deadline, according to sources. Rival team executives in Las Vegas said they expect both could be moved in order for Denver to receive value prior to restricted free agency. Beasley and Hernangomez are expected to command lucrative deals in free agency, meaning the Nuggets risk losing them in July.

Beasley and Hernangomez both turned down extensions in October after breakout seasons in 2018-19, and will be seeking high-level multiyear deals this summer. Until recently, the Nuggets’ depth has allowed them to effectively “ice” both players, which has allowed both to remain fresh and healthy for playing time now or a move later. Denver has gotten off to a franchise-best 21-9 start for the second seed in the Western Conference, and is one of the top contenders.

Beasley, 23, is coveted as a potential starting two-guard on the open market — with size, skill and shooting. Several teams with cap space in July, such as Cleveland, could make sense for him. Hernangomez, 24, is a versatile and valued forward for any team, and could be a major boost for contenders.

Beasley averaged 11.3 points per game last season on just 23.2 minutes per night last year, but the Nuggets have a plethora of depth at the guard spot, as evidenced by Beasley's 16.1 minutes per night this season.

Hernangomez is also more expendable after Denver acquired forward Jerami Grant this past summer.

The Nuggets are in an enviable position as a contender with the potential to also acquire future assets, though it appears that they will sell high on both Beasley and Hernangomez.