The Denver Nuggets’ path to their first NBA title could have looked very different. Reports have surfaced that the team made serious efforts to acquire Luka Doncic and Jrue Holiday in blockbuster deals that would have reshaped their roster and potentially created a dynasty.
On draft night in 2018, the Nuggets reportedly attempted to secure the No. 2 pick from the Sacramento Kings, offering Gary Harris and two first-round picks to pair Doncic with Nikola Jokic. Despite their bold move, the Kings opted to draft Marvin Bagley III, leaving Denver to build around their existing core of Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr.
The Nuggets were also close to acquiring Jrue Holiday before he was traded from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Milwaukee Bucks. According to insider Mike Singer, this deal was further along than the Doncic trade talks. However, landing Holiday would have likely prevented Denver from acquiring Aaron Gordon, whose defensive presence was instrumental in their championship run.
Denver even explored signing LeBron James before his move to the Lakers, though this never materialized.
While these near-misses could be seen as missed opportunities, the Nuggets’ lone title proves their decisions ultimately paid off. Still, fans can’t help but wonder what might have been if Jokic had teamed up with Doncic or Holiday. Could the Nuggets have built a dynasty? Let the debates begin.
