Game 71 (bubble#6): Denver Nuggets (46-24) vs Los Angeles Lakers (51-18)

[TunaFish]

MPJ looks entrenched in the small forward slot. I noticed that when the Nuggets pulled their primary starters in the fourth that MPJ was included. Normally, you would think Denver would play MPJ at every chance unless he has become too important to waste at this point. MPJ has arrived.

I don't see Barton taking back a starter slot either unless he is replacing an injured Harris. Barton will be a quality 6th man.

Finally, we have a big three who can all shoot!

[THE J0KER]

To be fair, Vonleh has been already out of so many teams during his career that it is not a surprise he can not contribute to Denver´s roster. Nevertheless, I would still resign him for a minimum deal to be Jokic´s backup next season, I don´t want Plumlee back at any price.

Some months ago I would have agreed with you in the GHarris + Barton + assets blockbuster trade, but at this point, Barton and GHarris (specially the later one) market is really slim. Many teams (Memphis, Miami,...) have way better assets to offer for Beal/Holiday

I would be happy with this roster for next season:
Murray Morris Dozier
GHarris 3D
MPJ Craig KBD
Grant Bol Bol
Jokic Vonleh

Include first round pick and Millsap in a very cheap contract, and IMHO roster is complete. You "only" need to trade Barton for a 3D type of player, and extend Grant, Craig and Morris contracts.

We still can fight for Beal if we add to Harris, Barton, and FRP Bol Bol which price is already lottery pick after he proves he is healthy enough play this season already. I was a big fan of Jrue Holliday trade before trade-deadline this year, but now it is a little bit tricky deal with Jrue potentially becoming a free agent (player option) already next summer. I doubt it will happen (he is not underpaid), but still can be a concern together with his injury history. Talking about injuries, my secret "SG defensive-monster" trade target is torn ACL, so my dream about perfect-fit built starting lineup for next season is already over (Murray - Jonathan Isaac - MPJ - Grant - Jokic). If Sacramento wants to re-sign Bogdanovic, Buddy Hield with the 4-year contract is available, but it would be a complicated deal that would require some third team involved because Kings don't need another SG (Harris) back from us, and there will backfire on our FO if we needed pure SG shooter why we did not sign that 40/3 deal with Beasley.

I know it is an unpopular opinion to trade Bol Bol before next season trade deadline, but it is obvious MPJ price is going to be our third max-contract, so if Bol Bol is the real deal we can't fight for him already when it comes to signing his first pro contract. And as I pointed already, his price is already late lottery pick, TOP10 if we wait to next season trade-deadline, so with a super-frontcourt line MPJ-Grant-Jokic, maybe we should put some extra quality to the backcourt to join Murray in the more balanced starting lineup?

[Manolito]

Beal dream is gone, we can not afford 4 max players. I don´t think Hield is a solution for the SG, we don´t need any 20shots-per-game-player with little D, additionally he is really overpaid. Actually GHarris is the perfect fit for our current roster, it is a pity he apparently quit playing basketball two seasons ago.

I agree with your Bol Bol trade suggestion. Mid term, either him and/or Morris should leave, we can not extend both contracts and Grant has a higher priority. This summer, Barton + Morris + Bol Bol + 1RP should land a very good 3D player with a reasonable salary....but I don´t can´t think of any player with that profile

[manchambo]

To be fair, Vonleh has been already out of so many teams during his career that it is not a surprise he can not contribute to Denver´s roster. Nevertheless, I would still resign him for a minimum deal to be Jokic´s backup next season, I don´t want Plumlee back at any price.

Some months ago I would have agreed with you in the GHarris + Barton + assets blockbuster trade, but at this point, Barton and GHarris (specially the later one) market is really slim. Many teams (Memphis, Miami,...) have way better assets to offer for Beal/Holiday

I would be happy with this roster for next season:
Murray Morris Dozier
GHarris 3D
MPJ Craig KBD
Grant Bol Bol
Jokic Vonleh

Include first round pick and Millsap in a very cheap contract, and IMHO roster is complete. You "only" need to trade Barton for a 3D type of player, and extend Grant, Craig and Morris contracts.

I do not at all understand "don't want Plumlee back at any price." He is a very good backup center. I can understand thinking money would better be spent elsewhere, but he is a good player who fits well with Denver's style of play.

[skywalker33]

To be fair, Vonleh has been already out of so many teams during his career that it is not a surprise he can not contribute to Denver´s roster. Nevertheless, I would still resign him for a minimum deal to be Jokic´s backup next season, I don´t want Plumlee back at any price.

Some months ago I would have agreed with you in the GHarris + Barton + assets blockbuster trade, but at this point, Barton and GHarris (specially the later one) market is really slim. Many teams (Memphis, Miami,...) have way better assets to offer for Beal/Holiday

I would be happy with this roster for next season:
Murray Morris Dozier
GHarris 3D
MPJ Craig KBD
Grant Bol Bol
Jokic Vonleh

Include first round pick and Millsap in a very cheap contract, and IMHO roster is complete. You "only" need to trade Barton for a 3D type of player, and extend Grant, Craig and Morris contracts.

I do not at all understand "don't want Plumlee back at any price." He is a very good backup center. I can understand thinking money would better be spent elsewhere, but he is a good player who fits well with Denver's style of play.

I can concur somewhat but he is a terrible free throw shooter and way over-priced right now.