5 Potential Trade Targets the Nuggets Should Explore Post December 15th

The Denver Nuggets are aiming for a second consecutive championship. Nikola Jokic is the best player in the world, and the team believes that this might be the start of a dynasty. Despite a recent slump, the Nuggets remain near the top of the rankings, but do they need to add before the Feb. 8 trade deadline?

Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets Dig Deep

Denver lost two of their top seven rotation players in the postseason, Bruce Brown and Jeff Green, in the offseason. If their young talent isn’t ready to step up, they may require some additional depth. Christian Braun has shown promise, but will Michael Malone put his faith in him in the playoffs? The Nuggets may need to fill a void.

The 15th of December is a significant date on the NBA calendar. Most players signed over the offseason, including Reggie Jackson, Justin Holiday, and DeAndre Jordan, became tradeable. The Nuggets will have more freedom to make moves, but who could they sign?

5. Torrey Craig

Craig made his NBA debut with Denver, where he established himself as a valuable rotation player. After three seasons, he left and joined with the Bucks in 2020. Since then, he has played for four different teams, including his current team, the Bulls. Despite the team’s troubles, Craig is getting 21.1 minutes per game and producing.

Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The Nuggets would love to add another 6’7 wing capable of defending multiple positions and hitting open shots. They’ve been without Bruce Brown and Jeff Green to start the season, and Craig could help compensate. He isn’t a lockdown defender or an exceptional shooter, but Denver can only offer second-round selections in trades. Craig is a cheap alternative who might be crucial in the playoffs.

The veteran wing isn’t the only Bulls player the Denver Nuggets could pursue before the trade deadline.

4. Jevon Carter

Carter agreed to a three-year, $19.5 million contract with the Bulls in the offseason and becomes tradeable on December 15. The 6’1 guard has battled to find his footing in Chicago, but he is still making shots and playing solid defense.Carter is most effective when playing 20 to 25 minutes per game for a contender, when he can play all-out defense. He is a lifetime 39.4 percent 3-point shooter who teams do not want to leave uncovered.

What we learned from the Chicago Bulls' second straight loss to the Orlando Magic - Sports Illustrated Chicago Bulls News, Analysis and More

In Chicago, there is some overlap behind Alex Caruso, and Carter will almost probably be moved if the Bulls opt to rebuild before the deadline.Jevon Carter has struggled to garner minutes in the playoffs, but in Denver, he may play a smaller but similar role to Bruce Brown.

He has the ability to guard the ball and be an important defender off the bench. His size would limit his ability to switch, but a ten to twenty-minute per-game position could be available.To acquire Jevon Carter, the Denver Nuggets would have to combine various salaries and consider dealing Zeke Nnaji. It’s something to think about, especially if they believe the 28-year-old can elevate his game in the Mile High City.

3. Dennis Smith Jr.

The Nuggets must make a critical decision about their backup point guard position. After falling out of their postseason rotation in 2023, they re-signed Reggie Jackson to a two-year, $10.2 million contract in the summer.

Jackson has had an amazing start to the season, but does Denver require more defense when it matters the most?Dennis Smith Jr. was signed to a one-year contract by the Nets during the offseason. Before restarting his career with the Hornets in 2023, the former lottery selection was essentially out of the NBA.

Nets' Dennis Smith Jr. sits with back issue - Newsday

DSJ isn’t a shooter and has lost his great bounce, but he’s a solid defender who creates plays.Brooklyn is currently in contention for the Play-In Tournament. Do the Nets decide whether to purchase or sell before the deadline? They will want further assistance if they are to make a deep postseason run.

Would Brooklyn push even further in, risking becoming a borderline playoff contender? It is not an easy option, but it may result in a soft sell.Dennis Smith Jr. might be acquired cheaply by the Denver Nuggets, giving them another option in the postseason. If the Nuggets need an offensive lift, Reggie Jackson will be ready, but Smith Jr. may be used to cover a sprinting guard on the perimeter.

2. Monte Morris

The former Nugget can be dealt immediately, but Denver will have to wait until December 15 for Reggie Jackson, DeAndre Jordan, or Justin Holiday to be sent out as matching money in the transaction. If the Nuggets decide to make a trade before the deadline, Jackson’s $5.0 million salary will most certainly be a major contract.

Morris is on an expiring contract worth $9.8 million and is presently out with a quad injury. He has not played this season, and it was stated in late November that he would be out for six to eight weeks.

Pistons' Monte Morris Out At Least 6-8 More Weeks | Hoops Rumors

The 6’2 guard will not be seen by fans until mid-January, but the Pistons will try to transfer him before the deadline. They are 2-20 on the season and are on their way to another high lottery pick.Morris was picked in the second round by the Nuggets in 2017, and he spent his first five years in Denver.

In the 2022 summer, he was traded for Kentaivous Caldwell-Pope, yet he remains a capable guard. He has the ability to spread the floor, defend, and make plays. If he can stay healthy, Morris would be an excellent reserve option for a contender.The Denver Nuggets will look at every possibility to enhance their squad, and Monte Morris appears to be a low-cost alternative with postseason potential.

1. Royce O’Neale

The Nuggets require a reliable 3-and-D wing who can contribute significantly in the playoffs. They’d want to find someone to replace Bruce Brown’s 26.5 points per game from last season.

They should ideally hire a bigger guy who can defend numerous positions. Denver’s minimal draft capital will make things difficult, but the Nets should be contacted.Brooklyn has a surplus of wings and put O’Neale up for trade in the offseason. They desired a first-round pick but were unable to find a fit. The Nets are likely to shop him again before the deadline.

Royce O'Neale has exceeded Nets expectations since landing

The Nuggets must hope that the asking price falls so that they can participate.Denver would almost certainly go all-in on this move. They can offer five second-round selections for Royce O’Neale and hope that Brooklyn is interested. The 6’4 wing’s contract is up in the summer and he will most likely leave in free agency.

Getting five second-round picks is preferable to nothing.The Denver Nuggets require a 3-and-D wing, which Royce O’Neale provides. Will they make the switch? The reigning champions have a strategy in place and hope to win back-to-back crowns. Expect them to be active and aggressive, so stay tuned for the newest developments.