The Denver Nuggets have made some major changes this offseason to prepare for a deep playoff run in the 2025-26 campaign.
The club made two big trades this summer, acquiring Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas in exchange for Michael Porter Jr., Dario Saric and a 2032 first-round pick. The Nuggets also strengthened their second unit in free agency, adding Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown.
After falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals, Denver solved two glaring issues from the seven-game series, obtaining extra depth and a talented backup big man behind Nikola Jokic. However, the club may not be done retooling its roster.
Nuggets land Kings’ Devin Carter in mock trade
While the Nuggets added some depth, they are also expected to lose Russell Westbrook in free agency. The club could rely on Jalen Pickett and Bruce Brown to back up Jamal Murray, though a trade would make sense if the team doesn't feel Pickett is ready to play an increased role.
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Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report recently compiled a mock trade that would land the Nuggets a promising young combo guard in Devin Carter, but it would come at the price of Peyton Watson.
Here's Buckley's proposed trade:
Nuggets receive: Devin Carter, 2027 second-round pick
Kings receive: Peyton Watson
Watson is set to become a restricted free agent next offseason, and the Nuggets could look to move him now if signing him isn't in their long-term plans. Christian Braun is also slated to be a restricted free agent next summer, and it appears much more likely they'd choose him over Watson.
The 22-year-old forward could eventually take on an increased role in Sacramento instead of backing up Aaron Gordon, so a trade could prove beneficial for both sides.
On the other hand, Carter, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, would also receive an opportunity to take on an expanded role versus sitting behind Malik Monk, Zach LaVine, Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder in Sacramento.
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