Denver Nuggets’ Offseason Moves: Bold Draft Choices and Questionable Trades Leave Fans Wondering

As the Denver Nuggets approach the 2024 NBA offseason, their front office is faced with the challenge of refining their roster. Despite having one of the most formidable starting lineups in the league, the team needs to bolster its rotation, add depth, and enhance the potency of their second unit.

However, on the brink of free agency, Nuggets fans find themselves puzzled by the team’s recent maneuvers.

Draft Day Drama

The 2024 NBA Draft initially seemed like a triumph for Denver. The team had openly targeted DaRon Holmes, despite other teams catching on to his potential. The Nuggets traded up six spots, sacrificing three second-round picks to secure Holmes. This move underscored their commitment to their plan, and Holmes is expected to make a significant impact soon.

Shedding Salary, Shedding Options

The real head-scratcher came with the trade of veteran guard Reggie Jackson. In a surprising deal with the Charlotte Hornets, Denver offloaded Jackson and their remaining three future second-round picks to shed his $5.25 million salary. This decision comes after the Nuggets had given Jackson a player option last offseason, which many questioned at the time.

In two separate moves, Denver has now spent six second-round picks. They added Holmes, a promising rookie, but lost Jackson, their sixth man, and with him, a critical salary piece for potential trades this offseason. This move has limited their options to replace key players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

Questioning the Strategy

The logic behind this trade raises questions. Is shedding $5.25 million worth three second-round picks? Comparable trades around the league, like the Dallas Mavericks moving Tim Hardaway Jr., suggest there might have been better ways to handle Jackson’s contract. The urgency to trade Jackson is speculated to be about freeing up playing time for second-year point guard Jalen Pickett. This decision has reportedly caused friction between Nuggets GM Calvin Booth, who wants to develop young talent, and coach Michael Malone, who leaned heavily on Jackson during the season.

Depth and Development

Malone’s reliance on veterans and his use of Jackson in all 82 games perhaps contributed to the team’s fatigue by the end of the season. Denver’s second-round playoff exit left players like Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and even Nikola Jokic visibly drained. The lack of depth was evident as young players like Pickett received minimal playing time, and the bench struggled to contribute consistently.

Offseason Outlook

With Caldwell-Pope potentially leaving in free agency, the Nuggets are at a crossroads. Promoting Christian Braun to a starting role might fill one gap, but it leaves questions about the bench’s strength. Adding another rookie like Holmes is a start, but relying solely on unproven young players isn’t a sustainable strategy for a team aiming for a championship.

The Nuggets have the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception to use if Caldwell-Pope departs, but finding impactful players at that price point is challenging. High-profile names like Paul George and Klay Thompson are out of reach. More realistic targets might include seasoned veterans like Monte Morris, Jae Crowder, or Dario Saric to add stability to the bench.

Looking Ahead

Denver’s core remains largely intact with Jokic, Murray, and Porter Jr. locked in for the next few seasons. However, the team’s depth and overall talent need careful management. Retaining Caldwell-Pope or finding a strong replacement is crucial. The Nuggets are in an arms race within a highly competitive Western Conference, and their recent moves have left fans and analysts alike questioning their ability to keep pace.

As the offseason unfolds, the focus will be on whether the Nuggets can address their roster gaps and maintain their status as title contenders. The decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal in defining the next phase of the Nikola Jokic era in Denver.