Who is a realistic trade target for the Nuggets?
Q : Who do you think is the most realistic trade target/ free agency acquisition for the team this offseason?
— Mason, Denver
Mike: I can’t stop thinking about the New Orleans Pelicans. If it’s not Jrue Holiday, then I think the Nuggets should at least inquire about two other guards on their roster: Lonzo Ball and JJ Redick. Ball gives you added size and defense in the backcourt, while Redick offers a veteran shooter the Nuggets could desperately use come playoff time. New Orleans’ asking price would be substantially lower than what it would take to get Holiday. Those who follow the Pelicans closely are expecting a shakeup in the backcourt.
Q : Lifetime Nuggets fan from Nevada here. Do you think the Nuggets trade up if a guy like Aaron Nesmith, Saddiq Bey or even Tyrell Terry falls past No. 13 or 14? The Nuggets desperately lack wing shooting and both Nesmith and Bey are pure shooters who look like they have the potential be lockdown defenders, Bey especially. I think the Nuggets need to draft someone who can can actually help them take another step. Nesmith and Bey can contribute immediately, Terry would help the second unit ( which struggled heavily throughout the year) be more dangerous. Also, do you think they try to sign someone like Markus Howard, Sam Merrill or Ty- Shon Alexander if they go un- drafted?
— Dawson Lamb, Carson City, Nev.
Mike: In short, yes, I think there’s a chance the Nuggets trade up. The reason why is because after the top 10 or so prospects, I think the draft could go haywire. After the initial wave of prospects, teams have guys ranked all over the board. If one of the Nuggets targets drops further than expected, Connelly and his staff are always opportunistic. They pride themselves on preparing for all scenarios ( see Bol Bol last year).
I think Nesmith and Bey are both winnow prospects, who could immediately help the Nuggets next season. Bey’s versatility, in particular, might make Craig ( a restricted free agent) expendable. Another name to watch, who might be closer to their No. 22 pick: Josh Green. The Nuggets generally opt for talent over position, but all things being equal, I think they lean toward a wing or a big man over a smaller guard like Terry.
Q : Who are the true “untouchables” on this team? Is there any chance MPJ could be traded?
— Greger, Nashville
Mike: If any team called and inquired about Nikola Jokic or Jamal Murray’s availability, Connelly would laugh, hang up the phone and probably not take another call from that team for months. And unless Milwaukee called and said Giannis wants to come to Denver or Houston said we’re shopping James Harden, the same thing would happen regarding calls on Michael Porter Jr. As reported earlier this week, it’s highly, highly unlikely Porter is included in any trade talks this summer.