Coming off an injury plagued season where they were playing undermanned all throughout, the Denver Nuggets fought mightily but came up short against the Golden State Warriors. Led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic and elite head coach Michael Malone, the Nuggets are due for some roster overhaul this offseason.
As they await the long-anticipated returns of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., Denver will be looking to add more talent and surround their superstar trio with the help they need. With that, we'll now discuss the three trades the Nuggets must make after losing to the Warriors in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs.
Nuggets Trades for 2022 NBA Offseason
1. Make a blockbuster trade for Zion Williamson
After having sat out for the entirety of the 2021-22 NBA season with a fractured right foot, Zion Williamson's future with the New Orleans Pelicans still remains uncertain. On multiple occasions late in the year, Williamson showed flashes of his former self and was eager for a return to the court. However, team officials and the coaching staff were still weary of his injury and would not grant him that wish.
During his tenure with the Pelicans, Williamson has been unable to stay healthy and is yet to play in the postseason. Perhaps a change of scenery would give him the opportunity to achieve both. Plus with established stars like Jokic, Murray, and Porter Jr. in the mix, there wouldn't be as much pressure on Williamson to deliver. On the Nuggets, Williamson could ease his way back into the rotation while playing alongside superstar talent with the chance to compete for an NBA championship.
Plus a frontcourt featuring Williamson, Jokic, and Aaron Gordon would be absolutely mesmerizing for the rest of the league. With this acquisition, the Nuggets could win it all in 2023 and bring the Larry O'Brien Trophy to The Mile High City for the first time in franchise history.
2. Strengthen their rotation with the addition of Evan Fournier
He may have had a down year with the New York Knicks, but the Nuggets could afford to take a chance on him and his shooting. Plus Evan Fournier is also a pesky defender who could help them make timely stops in big games. If Fournier can return to playing at a high level then he'd be a great fit playing alongside Jokic, Murray, Porter Jr., and Gordon. Adding a battle-tested veteran like Fournier would be a wise move for the Nuggets to make this offseason.
3. Add an electric scorer and wing defender in Buddy Hield
Buddy Hield may be a bit pricier than the Nuggets would like, but he's a dependable shooter that would allow the Nuggets to space the floor better. Plus he's a solid perimeter defender who would do well for the Nuggets coming off the bench or in a starting role. As the Nuggets look to take the next step and reach championship status, the addition of a known quantity like Hield would greatly improve their chances of achieving this in 2023.
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