After another failed attempt at getting back to the NBA Finals, the Denver Nuggets have been hard restructuring their roster this offseason. As they continue to make changes, one trade framework came about where they add more depth pieces around the duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
The Nuggets' biggest move thus far has been trading Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson. This maneuver opened things up financially for the front office to bring back a familiar face in Bruce Brown. Though it came with some controversy, Denver also added a new face in the frontcourt by acquiring Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings.
Nuggets receive - Keegan Murray, Vit Krejci
Kings receive - Zeke Nnaji, Peyton Watson, 2026 first-round pick swap (via DEN), 2030 first-round pick swap (via DEN), 2031 first-round pick swap (via DEN)
Hawks receive - Julian Strawther
Though his production took a slight dip last season, Murray is someone who makes a lot of sense for a team like the Nuggets. He can hold his own defensively, adds more size on the wing, and is an effective outside shooter. Being set up by an elite playmaker like Jokic could help the former No. 4 pick get back to being a 40% three-point shooter.
As for Krejci, he is someone who can man the backup point minutes behind Murray. He is fresh off his best campaign in the NBA, averaging 7.2 PPG and 2.6 APG while shooting 43.7% from beyond the arc.
The Nuggets would be giving up a lot in this deal, but it is still a move worth strongly considering. Murray and Krejci provide complementary skills and are proven rotation players. With depth being essential in a loaded Western Conference, the Nuggets are going to need as many playable pieces as they can get their hands on if they want to compete.