Trade rumors circulating the Denver Nuggets continue to swirl, as many around the league and the media believe this iteration of the Nuggets is not championship-ready. They’re only two years removed from winning it all, but a lot can happen in two years, and Denver’s status today looks much different. With several big names being linked to them over the past few weeks, the Washington Wizards have two players on their roster that the Nuggets are reportedly eyeing.
Nuggets Trade Rumors Fuel Further With Interest In Two Wizards
Jordan Poole and Jonas Valančiūnas Reportedly on Denver’s Trade Radar
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Jonas Valančiūnas and Jordan Poole are rumored to be in the Nuggets crosshairs. Tony Jones, also with The Athletic, joined Amick in reporting Denver’s interest.
Valančiūnas is no stranger to trade rumors this season. The Los Angeles Lakers held the highest interest amongst teams in the 13-year veteran center as a free agent in the offseason. No deal was struck, though, and Valančiūnas signed in Washington instead. He and the Lakers have continued to be linked to one another for much of the season in trade scenarios. Valančiūnas remains a hot trade target for several teams because his size and rim protection are two of his greatest assets. Sliding beside or behind, Nikola Jokić could take some pressure off Denver’s 3x MVP. Valančiūnas’s defense could immediately impact Denver, as it would for any team that trades for him. While the paint might be crowded at times, consider a pairing of Jokić and Valančiūnas—what a force that could be.
Poole’s trade interest around the league has not nearly been as high as Valančiūnas’s. Nor has it reached Kyle Kuzma‘s level of interest, Poole’s other Wizards teammate. Kuzma will likely move on over the next several weeks like Valančiūnas. Whatever trade value Poole has drawn this season is minimal. His value, whatever it may be, comes from his offensive abilities. Say what you want about his antics, behavior, or childish demeanor on the court at times. Poole can shoot the lights out if he’s on target. He showcased his scoring touch when sharing the backcourt with Steph Curry in Golden State. Poole would immediately take some pressure off Jamal Murray and Jokić, giving the Nuggets a legitimate scoring threat.
A Big Trade Could Dramatically Change the Season
The Nuggets already added a solid role player in future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook in the offseason. Westbrook has played relatively well in his limited role. However, since winning the championship in 2023, the Nuggets haven’t added a significant, game-changing roster piece. Instead, they’ve let them walk in free agency. In the subsequent two seasons since winning the NBA finals, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Bruce Brown have exited Mile High City.
Despite losing those key rotational pieces, the Nuggets’ championship window has not closed just yet. With Jokić still playing at his typical MVP level, the window remains open for a few years at least. Still, this current team needs an upgrade. The more heated trade talks become, the more it appears likely than not that Denver will make a major move in the coming weeks. If they do, don’t be surprised if the Nuggets compete again in the Western Conference Finals or beyond.
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