The Denver Nuggets executed a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, sending JaMychal Green and a 2027 first round pick in exchange for the no. 30 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft ss well as two future picks. The deal had many wondering what the Nuggets' plan is. The latest rumors, courtesy of The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, give some insight into Denver's plans.
After acquiring the 30th pick for JaMychal Green and a future first from the Thunder, the Nuggets are trying to package this pick with the 30th selection to move up into the middle of the first round. It’s probably not enough, unless Denver is willing to add a young player or a future asset. If the Nuggets stay here, Branham makes logical sense as an additional bucket-getter who can provide depth behind Jamal Murray, who is returning from a torn ACL, and Michael Porter Jr., who is one of the most injury prone players in the league.
Per O'Connor, the Nuggets are looking to package the 30th pick with the no. 21 choice to move up to the middle of the NBA Draft. He notes that the franchise might have to add a young player to make the deal work.
Article Continues BelowIf unable to secure a deal, O'Connor sees the Nuggets selecting a wing and a guard, fortifying the depth chart behind the likes of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
It certainly makes sense to target depth in that area, with Murray missing the entire campaign and Porter limited to nine games due to injury.
The Nuggets will be an interesting team to monitor on draft night.