psman2 wrote:I just don't see putting even more of the offensive load on Jokic a viable way forward here. No big problem with the value here but Wiggins and Suggs cannot be a 2/3 best offensive options on a team hoping to win another chip.
But the Nuggets need defensive improvement even more. It would be difficult to increase offensive and defensive performance simultaneously through trades. Perhaps there is a way though:
Personally, I would try to trade Murray, Gordon, Braun for 3 and D players, and/or perhaps a legit offensive star, that doesn't need screens or DHOs like Murray, one that could carry non Jokic minutes.
Yes Gordon shot well this year (albeit on low volume) but I think that's a major outlier, and he still loves to sabotage Jokic by going to the dunker's spot and let his man simultaneously guard him and double Jokic.
Murray is a decent catch and shoot 3 shooter at around ~40% for the last few years, but he's horrific value, horrible in non Jokic minutes (-7.4 since 2020 season) and horrific navigating screens.
Braun has been great, but a 2 needs to better at making wide open 3s. Braun's stats are highly inflated from playing with Jokic. Trade him while his stock is high.
If Jokic was surrounded by 4 shooters he would be much better offensively. Imagine a pick your poison scenario, either single cover him or give up a wide open 3 to a competent shooter. He's already arguably the best offensive player in history, and that's with a supporting cast that is not optimal.
...I think he'd put up a lot more shots elsewhere and would complement Bam and Herro very well.