The Denver Nuggets are reportedly exploring trade options ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline on February 6, 2024, in an effort to bolster their roster and address some ongoing struggles. Despite entering the season with high expectations of being a dominant force in the Western Conference, the Nuggets have fallen short of those hopes so far. Currently sitting fifth in the standings with a 14-10 record, the team is grappling with issues around the supporting cast of their superstar, Nikola Jokić. While Jokić is having another MVP-caliber season and is on track to potentially win his fourth MVP award, his exceptional individual performance has not been enough to carry the team consistently, especially as the postseason approaches.
A major concern for Denver has been the performance of Jokić’s star teammate, Jamal Murray, whose struggles with shooting have left the team relying on other players to step up. Unfortunately, this has not materialized as hoped. Michael Porter Jr. has been the only player who has shown significant improvement, currently enjoying one of the best seasons of his career and standing as Denver’s second-best player. However, the team has still faced challenges in getting consistent contributions from the rest of the roster.
In response to these difficulties, the Nuggets have been involved in several trade rumors recently. According to reports from The Athletic’s Tom Jones and Sam Amick, Denver has shown interest in acquiring forward Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets. Johnson is known for his scoring ability and could provide an offensive boost to the Nuggets, a team that has struggled at times to find secondary scoring options to complement Jokić. Furthermore, Denver could look to bring in another forward, Dorian Finney-Smith, who has been linked to the Nuggets in the same trade discussions, as reported by Evan Sidery of Forbes. Finney-Smith, in addition to his solid offensive skills, is also an elite defender, which would help address some of Denver’s defensive shortcomings.
The proposed trade would likely involve a significant package, with the Nuggets potentially offering Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, Jalen Pickett, and draft capital in exchange for Johnson and Finney-Smith. While trading Porter Jr. would be a difficult decision, especially given his strong performance this season, it could be a necessary move for Denver to bring in two proven forwards who could enhance their chances of competing for a title. Porter Jr.’s value is high, but his trade would free up space for these two players who could provide an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.
For the Nuggets, adding Johnson and Finney-Smith would significantly improve their depth and overall roster balance. Johnson’s scoring ability would give the team a reliable second option behind Jokić, easing the burden on Murray and others to provide consistent offense. Meanwhile, Finney-Smith’s defense would add a much-needed elite defender to a roster that could benefit from more defensive versatility. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute offensively as well would make him a valuable addition for a Nuggets team that is aiming to improve its championship odds.
In terms of lineup changes, the acquisition of both Johnson and Finney-Smith would likely lead to a reconfiguration of Denver’s rotation. The team would have more flexibility in how they approach different matchups, especially in the postseason when defense becomes even more crucial. With these two players added to the mix, the Nuggets would have a stronger overall lineup, with a mix of scoring and defense that could help them compete with the league’s top teams.
Ultimately, a successful trade for Johnson and Finney-Smith could help the Nuggets contend for their second NBA championship in three seasons. The team has the talent and potential to go far, but to reach that level, they need to make strategic moves that strengthen their roster and address their weaknesses. By acquiring these two forwards, Denver would be better equipped to make a deep playoff run and potentially secure another title, solidifying their place as one of the NBA’s elite teams. As the trade deadline draws nearer, it remains to be seen if the Nuggets will pull the trigger on a deal, but their pursuit of Johnson and Finney-Smith signals their intent to make a major move to improve their championship prospects.
