How does Denver retool in the offseason (Who wants Murray/MPJ?)

[Duke4life831]

I think the move is to trade MPJ or Murray for 2-3 quality role players. Their big weakness if they have basically no depth because they haven't drafted well.

Who’s giving up quality role players for those contracts though?

Again I think the hope is you find a desperate GM for a team like ORL, Memphis, ATL, NO, Chicago who might be willing to take on Murray with the hope he can add something for them. But even then, I doubt Denver would get much back in return. The best thing there would be just getting out of Murray’s contract and getting easier to trade contacts in return.

And I don’t think there is any GM dumb enough to give up any kind of asset for MPJ. Don’t see how they could get a quality role player in return for him.

There are teams in the East that would be desperate enough to like you mentioned. Orlando may take Murray etc.

MPJ would be a swap. Like, say, Miles Bridges + a contract filler. Not that I would do that, but that's the basis of a MPJ deal. Trade him for another average starter making a lot of money and a filler contract. The main thing you're looking for is that other expensive average starter to have more versatility.

Again I can see a young team out team heading for the treadmill to trade for Murray. I think it would be dumb, but I think looking at the past, I can see a team willing to do it. Now I don’t think they would give up much in return for him. But I think Denver could get out from his contract and bring back a solid asset.

I just don’t see a GM trading for MPJ and not requiring assets to go along with him. And that’s the issue, Denver just drastically lacks assets. They’ve traded away a ton of draft picks and the only young guy on the team that has value is Braun and it would be dumb for Denver to use him to dump MPJ’s contract.

I just don’t see how they get out of the MPJ contract. Who’s taking him on for 2 more years at 25% of your cap, without demanding assets attached to him?

[zimpy27]

Yup. Just to add onto this. Here are some of the teammates that recent greats were playing with when they were 30.

Curry: KD, Draymond, Klay
LeBron: Kyrie, Love
Kobe: Pau, Artest
Duncan: Manu, Parker
Wade: LeBron, Bosh

Every guy paired up with at least 1 HOF teammate who was in their prime. Some paired up with multiple HOF teammates in their prime.

Jokic has still yet to play with an All NBA, All Star, or All Defense guy. Let alone paired up with a HOF player in their prime.

Take a look at the 2011 Mavs. They lacked the traditional number 2 on a title team but they had:
Past Prime Kidd: still a good playmaker and had developed a good outside shot
Chandler: excellent rebounding big who provided good defense
Terry: this is honestly a good comparison for Murray. Streaky, small scoring guard whose value coming from his heaters.
Peja: past-prime secondary star who was still a strong shooter.
Butler

Dirk was the one who made that team work but there was actual significant talent depth 2-15. Does anyone think the Nuggets have a similar talent pool? I don't. If the Nuggets looked like that I wouldn't kill them for not acquiring a true 8-15 guy in the NBA player as a #2.

When I look at Denver, outside the inspired Gordon acquisition which does impress me, I just see a club throwing darts.

Yup. And I think that’s similar to Denver’s championship run.

Murray was much better back then, compared to now. You had Gordon. MPJ could at least throw it in the ocean some games. You had KCP in his prime. Bruce Brown who fit that roster perfectly, a vet Jeff Green who at least knew what he was doing when he was on the court and a rookie Braun who brought energy whenever he played. That was a legit well fitting roster.

Gordon is still Gordon. But again playoff Murray is a thing of the past now. MPJ unplayable. There is no replacement for KCP, Braun is in the Brown role but he’s in the starting lineup. And your bench is Russ, Watson, Strawther compared to Brown, Green, Braun.

This is just a significantly worse version of Denver’s championship team from 2 years ago.

And I agree, the only big move Denver has made that has ever made any sense during the time Jokic has been there was the AG trade. Everything else has been just little role player moves or giving out really bad contracts. Just butchered this roster construction

I would do this for Lakers.


Lakers get Murray, Braun

Nuggets get Reaves, Rui, Gabe, Vando



I think something along those lines with pick swaps or seconds added would be a good fit for both. Denver move on from Murray and pick up some depth.

[sp6r=underrated]

Yup. Just to add onto this. Here are some of the teammates that recent greats were playing with when they were 30.

Curry: KD, Draymond, Klay
LeBron: Kyrie, Love
Kobe: Pau, Artest
Duncan: Manu, Parker
Wade: LeBron, Bosh

Every guy paired up with at least 1 HOF teammate who was in their prime. Some paired up with multiple HOF teammates in their prime.

Jokic has still yet to play with an All NBA, All Star, or All Defense guy. Let alone paired up with a HOF player in their prime.

Take a look at the 2011 Mavs. They lacked the traditional number 2 on a title team but they had:
Past Prime Kidd: still a good playmaker and had developed a good outside shot
Chandler: excellent rebounding big who provided good defense
Terry: this is honestly a good comparison for Murray. Streaky, small scoring guard whose value coming from his heaters.
Peja: past-prime secondary star who was still a strong shooter.
Butler

Dirk was the one who made that team work but there was actual significant talent depth 2-15. Does anyone think the Nuggets have a similar talent pool? I don't. If the Nuggets looked like that I wouldn't kill them for not acquiring a true 8-15 guy in the NBA player as a #2.

When I look at Denver, outside the inspired Gordon acquisition which does impress me, I just see a club throwing darts.

Yup. And I think that’s similar to Denver’s championship run.

Murray was much better back then, compared to now. You had Gordon. MPJ could at least throw it in the ocean some games. You had KCP in his prime. Bruce Brown who fit that roster perfectly, a vet Jeff Green who at least knew what he was doing when he was on the court and a rookie Braun who brought energy whenever he played. That was a legit well fitting roster.

Gordon is still Gordon. But again playoff Murray is a thing of the past now. MPJ unplayable. There is no replacement for KCP, Braun is in the Brown role but he’s in the starting lineup. And your bench is Russ, Watson, Strawther compared to Brown, Green, Braun.

This is just a significantly worse version of Denver’s championship team from 2 years ago.

And I agree, the only big move Denver has made that has ever made any sense during the time Jokic has been there was the AG trade. Everything else has been just little role player moves or giving out really bad contracts. Just butchered this roster construction

Here's a good what if. What if the Nuggets don't trade Donovan Mitchell?

My guess Denver is a much more serious title contender from 19-24 and they definitely would win more series and potentially another title or two.

[Alatan]

Take a look at the 2011 Mavs. They lacked the traditional number 2 on a title team but they had:
Past Prime Kidd: still a good playmaker and had developed a good outside shot
Chandler: excellent rebounding big who provided good defense
Terry: this is honestly a good comparison for Murray. Streaky, small scoring guard whose value coming from his heaters.
Peja: past-prime secondary star who was still a strong shooter.
Butler

Dirk was the one who made that team work but there was actual significant talent depth 2-15. Does anyone think the Nuggets have a similar talent pool? I don't. If the Nuggets looked like that I wouldn't kill them for not acquiring a true 8-15 guy in the NBA player as a #2.

When I look at Denver, outside the inspired Gordon acquisition which does impress me, I just see a club throwing darts.

Yup. And I think that’s similar to Denver’s championship run.

Murray was much better back then, compared to now. You had Gordon. MPJ could at least throw it in the ocean some games. You had KCP in his prime. Bruce Brown who fit that roster perfectly, a vet Jeff Green who at least knew what he was doing when he was on the court and a rookie Braun who brought energy whenever he played. That was a legit well fitting roster.

Gordon is still Gordon. But again playoff Murray is a thing of the past now. MPJ unplayable. There is no replacement for KCP, Braun is in the Brown role but he’s in the starting lineup. And your bench is Russ, Watson, Strawther compared to Brown, Green, Braun.

This is just a significantly worse version of Denver’s championship team from 2 years ago.

And I agree, the only big move Denver has made that has ever made any sense during the time Jokic has been there was the AG trade. Everything else has been just little role player moves or giving out really bad contracts. Just butchered this roster construction

I would do this for Lakers.


Lakers get Murray, Braun

Nuggets get Reaves, Rui, Gabe, Vando



I think something along those lines with pick swaps or seconds added would be a good fit for both. Denver move on from Murray and pick up some depth.

Leave Brun of the table and you got a deal. But we both know that this is a stealth attempt to steal Braun.

[AleksandarN]

Who’s giving up quality role players for those contracts though?

Again I think the hope is you find a desperate GM for a team like ORL, Memphis, ATL, NO, Chicago who might be willing to take on Murray with the hope he can add something for them. But even then, I doubt Denver would get much back in return. The best thing there would be just getting out of Murray’s contract and getting easier to trade contacts in return.

And I don’t think there is any GM dumb enough to give up any kind of asset for MPJ. Don’t see how they could get a quality role player in return for him.

There are teams in the East that would be desperate enough to like you mentioned. Orlando may take Murray etc.

MPJ would be a swap. Like, say, Miles Bridges + a contract filler. Not that I would do that, but that's the basis of a MPJ deal. Trade him for another average starter making a lot of money and a filler contract. The main thing you're looking for is that other expensive average starter to have more versatility.

Again I can see a young team out team heading for the treadmill to trade for Murray. I think it would be dumb, but I think looking at the past, I can see a team willing to do it. Now I don’t think they would give up much in return for him. But I think Denver could get out from his contract and bring back a solid asset.

I just don’t see a GM trading for MPJ and not requiring assets to go along with him. And that’s the issue, Denver just drastically lacks assets. They’ve traded away a ton of draft picks and the only young guy on the team that has value is Braun and it would be dumb for Denver to use him to dump MPJ’s contract.

I just don’t see how they get out of the MPJ contract. Who’s taking him on for 2 more years at 25% of your cap, without demanding assets attached to him?

MPJ for a fat out of shape Zion. Or MPJ for PG are only targets. Players with equal or worse contracts

[zimpy27]

Yup. And I think that’s similar to Denver’s championship run.

Murray was much better back then, compared to now. You had Gordon. MPJ could at least throw it in the ocean some games. You had KCP in his prime. Bruce Brown who fit that roster perfectly, a vet Jeff Green who at least knew what he was doing when he was on the court and a rookie Braun who brought energy whenever he played. That was a legit well fitting roster.

Gordon is still Gordon. But again playoff Murray is a thing of the past now. MPJ unplayable. There is no replacement for KCP, Braun is in the Brown role but he’s in the starting lineup. And your bench is Russ, Watson, Strawther compared to Brown, Green, Braun.

This is just a significantly worse version of Denver’s championship team from 2 years ago.

And I agree, the only big move Denver has made that has ever made any sense during the time Jokic has been there was the AG trade. Everything else has been just little role player moves or giving out really bad contracts. Just butchered this roster construction

I would do this for Lakers.


Lakers get Murray, Braun

Nuggets get Reaves, Rui, Gabe, Vando



I think something along those lines with pick swaps or seconds added would be a good fit for both. Denver move on from Murray and pick up some depth.

Leave Brun of the table and you got a deal. But we both know that this is a stealth attempt to steal Braun.

It's not an attempt to steal anyone, it's about balancing a deal around Murray+Braun and Reaves+Rui+depth.

Murray is making $46m and people here say he's awful. Denver should have to give up a lot of value to move him for Reaves right?

[Duke4life831]

Take a look at the 2011 Mavs. They lacked the traditional number 2 on a title team but they had:
Past Prime Kidd: still a good playmaker and had developed a good outside shot
Chandler: excellent rebounding big who provided good defense
Terry: this is honestly a good comparison for Murray. Streaky, small scoring guard whose value coming from his heaters.
Peja: past-prime secondary star who was still a strong shooter.
Butler

Dirk was the one who made that team work but there was actual significant talent depth 2-15. Does anyone think the Nuggets have a similar talent pool? I don't. If the Nuggets looked like that I wouldn't kill them for not acquiring a true 8-15 guy in the NBA player as a #2.

When I look at Denver, outside the inspired Gordon acquisition which does impress me, I just see a club throwing darts.

Yup. And I think that’s similar to Denver’s championship run.

Murray was much better back then, compared to now. You had Gordon. MPJ could at least throw it in the ocean some games. You had KCP in his prime. Bruce Brown who fit that roster perfectly, a vet Jeff Green who at least knew what he was doing when he was on the court and a rookie Braun who brought energy whenever he played. That was a legit well fitting roster.

Gordon is still Gordon. But again playoff Murray is a thing of the past now. MPJ unplayable. There is no replacement for KCP, Braun is in the Brown role but he’s in the starting lineup. And your bench is Russ, Watson, Strawther compared to Brown, Green, Braun.

This is just a significantly worse version of Denver’s championship team from 2 years ago.

And I agree, the only big move Denver has made that has ever made any sense during the time Jokic has been there was the AG trade. Everything else has been just little role player moves or giving out really bad contracts. Just butchered this roster construction

I would do this for Lakers.


Lakers get Murray, Braun

Nuggets get Reaves, Rui, Gabe, Vando



I think something along those lines with pick swaps or seconds added would be a good fit for both. Denver move on from Murray and pick up some depth.

Is that really adding much depth though? You trade 2 starters to get 1 starter back (I don’t think Rui starts alongside Gordon). Not sure what Gabe Vincent really brings to the table, the last 2 playoffs for the Lakers he’s averaged 2ppg on 40 TS%. And Vando can’t ever stay healthy and his offensive game has regressed, even though it wasn’t good to begin with.

Don’t get me wrong, value wise I think you’re pretty dead on with this. Even though you only get 1 year of Reaves, I’d still take a year of Reaves at 9% of your cap vs Murray at 25%.

But this is also the point I’m making. This is the kind of realistic deal you can expect back for Murray. And this is also including losing Braun and I don’t think this really changes the ceiling for Denver next year.

I just think Denver has dug themselves in such a deep hole with their bad contracts and complete lack of assets. Even if they do make some moves, I don’t think it really improves their chances at a ring.

[Duke4life831]

Take a look at the 2011 Mavs. They lacked the traditional number 2 on a title team but they had:
Past Prime Kidd: still a good playmaker and had developed a good outside shot
Chandler: excellent rebounding big who provided good defense
Terry: this is honestly a good comparison for Murray. Streaky, small scoring guard whose value coming from his heaters.
Peja: past-prime secondary star who was still a strong shooter.
Butler

Dirk was the one who made that team work but there was actual significant talent depth 2-15. Does anyone think the Nuggets have a similar talent pool? I don't. If the Nuggets looked like that I wouldn't kill them for not acquiring a true 8-15 guy in the NBA player as a #2.

When I look at Denver, outside the inspired Gordon acquisition which does impress me, I just see a club throwing darts.

Yup. And I think that’s similar to Denver’s championship run.

Murray was much better back then, compared to now. You had Gordon. MPJ could at least throw it in the ocean some games. You had KCP in his prime. Bruce Brown who fit that roster perfectly, a vet Jeff Green who at least knew what he was doing when he was on the court and a rookie Braun who brought energy whenever he played. That was a legit well fitting roster.

Gordon is still Gordon. But again playoff Murray is a thing of the past now. MPJ unplayable. There is no replacement for KCP, Braun is in the Brown role but he’s in the starting lineup. And your bench is Russ, Watson, Strawther compared to Brown, Green, Braun.

This is just a significantly worse version of Denver’s championship team from 2 years ago.

And I agree, the only big move Denver has made that has ever made any sense during the time Jokic has been there was the AG trade. Everything else has been just little role player moves or giving out really bad contracts. Just butchered this roster construction

Here's a good what if. What if the Nuggets don't trade Donovan Mitchell?

My guess Denver is a much more serious title contender from 19-24 and they definitely would win more series and potentially another title or two.

I think we would be talking about a very different team. Mitchell is a legit All NBA talent and he’s never played with a guy like Jokic before. Like if people think the 2 man game between Jokic and Murray is great, could you imagine it with Mitchell instead.

We wouldn’t be talking about “non Jokic minutes” all the time. Because Mitchell is a legit star on the ball who can run an offense on his own and create his shot with ease.

Who did Denver even get back in that trade? My guess is it turned out to be laughably bad for Denver obviously.

[zimpy27]

Yup. And I think that’s similar to Denver’s championship run.

Murray was much better back then, compared to now. You had Gordon. MPJ could at least throw it in the ocean some games. You had KCP in his prime. Bruce Brown who fit that roster perfectly, a vet Jeff Green who at least knew what he was doing when he was on the court and a rookie Braun who brought energy whenever he played. That was a legit well fitting roster.

Gordon is still Gordon. But again playoff Murray is a thing of the past now. MPJ unplayable. There is no replacement for KCP, Braun is in the Brown role but he’s in the starting lineup. And your bench is Russ, Watson, Strawther compared to Brown, Green, Braun.

This is just a significantly worse version of Denver’s championship team from 2 years ago.

And I agree, the only big move Denver has made that has ever made any sense during the time Jokic has been there was the AG trade. Everything else has been just little role player moves or giving out really bad contracts. Just butchered this roster construction

I would do this for Lakers.


Lakers get Murray, Braun

Nuggets get Reaves, Rui, Gabe, Vando



I think something along those lines with pick swaps or seconds added would be a good fit for both. Denver move on from Murray and pick up some depth.

Is that really adding much depth though? You trade 2 starters to get 1 starter back (I don’t think Rui starts alongside Gordon). Not sure what Gabe Vincent really brings to the table, the last 2 playoffs for the Lakers he’s averaged 2ppg on 40 TS%. And Vando can’t ever stay healthy and his offensive game has regressed, even though it wasn’t good to begin with.

Don’t get me wrong, value wise I think you’re pretty dead on with this. Even though you only get 1 year of Reaves, I’d still take a year of Reaves at 9% of your cap vs Murray at 25%.

But this is also the point I’m making. This is the kind of realistic deal you can expect back for Murray. And this is also including losing Braun and I don’t think this really changes the ceiling for Denver next year.

I just think Denver has dug themselves in such a deep hole with their bad contracts and complete lack of assets. Even if they do make some moves, I don’t think it really improves their chances at a ring.

Well I think Reaves+Rui are definitely both starters. It's 2 for 2. Denver get Vando and Gabe which upgrade their bench for sure.

I think breaking up the Murray contract is the value, after this trade or even during his trade and a 3rd team they could move the Gabe or Rui expirings with a pick for a different player.

The digestion of Murray in to more moveable parts is the reason Denver do it.

[Duke4life831]

I would do this for Lakers.


Lakers get Murray, Braun

Nuggets get Reaves, Rui, Gabe, Vando



I think something along those lines with pick swaps or seconds added would be a good fit for both. Denver move on from Murray and pick up some depth.

Is that really adding much depth though? You trade 2 starters to get 1 starter back (I don’t think Rui starts alongside Gordon). Not sure what Gabe Vincent really brings to the table, the last 2 playoffs for the Lakers he’s averaged 2ppg on 40 TS%. And Vando can’t ever stay healthy and his offensive game has regressed, even though it wasn’t good to begin with.

Don’t get me wrong, value wise I think you’re pretty dead on with this. Even though you only get 1 year of Reaves, I’d still take a year of Reaves at 9% of your cap vs Murray at 25%.

But this is also the point I’m making. This is the kind of realistic deal you can expect back for Murray. And this is also including losing Braun and I don’t think this really changes the ceiling for Denver next year.

I just think Denver has dug themselves in such a deep hole with their bad contracts and complete lack of assets. Even if they do make some moves, I don’t think it really improves their chances at a ring.

Well I think Reaves+Rui are definitely both starters. It's 2 for 2. Denver get Vando and Gabe which upgrade their bench for sure.

I think breaking up the Murray contract is the value, after this trade or even during his trade and a 3rd team they could move the Gabe or Rui expirings with a pick for a different player.

The digestion of Murray in to more moveable parts is the reason Denver do it.

Even if we view Rui as a starter. The overall fit of Reaves/Rui is worse than Murray/Braun.

And again with Vincent I don’t see him being any kind of upgrade to the bench. I think Strawther plays over Vincent. Vincent over the last 3 years has a 52 TS% and a -3.8 BPM. And with Vando, he’s a good defensive player, but a horrific offensive player and he’s never healthy anymore.

I agree that getting out of Murray’s contract would be a big win. But I don’t think this move gets them any closer to being a legit championship contender. You do get out of the Murray deal, but lose out on Braun and you get worse fitting parts in return.

Which again is my main point. Denver is screwed when it comes to building another championship roster around Jokic. You can make moves like this, but you’re still nowhere closer to winning a championship and still have a complete lack of assets to make a bigger move.

[Dan Z]

1). Don't throw the toys out of the cot. Murray, Braun & Gordon are all decent supporting pieces.

2). Trade MPJ to a struggling team for a veteran scorer that the current team might be ready to move. Attainable names that come to mind are DDR, Lavine, George & Beal. These are guys that could come in as 3rd options and give Murray & Jokic some playmaking help.

3). Acquire 2-3 bench pieces that can actually contribute in the playoffs. It's not easy but can easily be done if they do it the right way.

Does Denver have the MLE to work with?

One name that has been mentioned is Bruce Brown. Maybe they can sign him for cheap, so they can add to the bench.

If DaRon Holmes is healthy that will help them too.

[Mamba81p]

1). Don't throw the toys out of the cot. Murray, Braun & Gordon are all decent supporting pieces.

2). Trade MPJ to a struggling team for a veteran scorer that the current team might be ready to move. Attainable names that come to mind are DDR, Lavine, George & Beal. These are guys that could come in as 3rd options and give Murray & Jokic some playmaking help.

3). Acquire 2-3 bench pieces that can actually contribute in the playoffs. It's not easy but can easily be done if they do it the right way.

Does Denver have the MLE to work with?

One name that has been mentioned is Bruce Brown. Maybe they can sign him for cheap, so they can add to the bench.

If DaRon Holmes is healthy that will help them too.

Just taxpayer mile, which will bring them right below the 2nd apron

[Mamba81p]

They not only mismanaged the contract extensions, especially mpj , but they gifted okc 2 first round picks for basically Watson and strawther . I understand why they did that but the price is insane. They don’t have much to trade other than some swaps. I guess you can’t fire a gm right after winning a championship

[Alatan]

I would do this for Lakers.


Lakers get Murray, Braun

Nuggets get Reaves, Rui, Gabe, Vando



I think something along those lines with pick swaps or seconds added would be a good fit for both. Denver move on from Murray and pick up some depth.

Leave Brun of the table and you got a deal. But we both know that this is a stealth attempt to steal Braun.

It's not an attempt to steal anyone, it's about balancing a deal around Murray+Braun and Reaves+Rui+depth.

Murray is making $46m and people here say he's awful. Denver should have to give up a lot of value to move him for Reaves right?

Denver doesnt get better by giving away player to reduce their salary. If they wanted to reduce their expences they would just blow it up instead of helping LAL get better.

[Wingy]

I think the move is to trade MPJ or Murray for 2-3 quality role players. Their big weakness if they have basically no depth because they haven't drafted well.

Who’s giving up quality role players for those contracts though?

Again I think the hope is you find a desperate GM for a team like ORL, Memphis, ATL, NO, Chicago who might be willing to take on Murray with the hope he can add something for them. But even then, I doubt Denver would get much back in return. The best thing there would be just getting out of Murray’s contract and getting easier to trade contacts in return.

And I don’t think there is any GM dumb enough to give up any kind of asset for MPJ. Don’t see how they could get a quality role player in return for him.

Yup, look at a perpetual treadmill team with a village idiot FO that was formerly employed by the Nuggets!! That is where you’ll find your taker.

I could see win now, clueless, one of the worst FO Arturas Karnisovas going for the ‘win now’ move of Jamal. “We’ve obtained an NBA champion. Word diarrhea, word diarrhea, word diarrhea.”

Murray for Coby White, Patrick Williams, and fillers works. Coby is a poor man’s Murray so it helps Denver stay more competitive. At worst, you’re off of Murray’s massive deal even if Coby walks (quite possible).

[Wolfgang630]

They need to get Bruce Brown back. They need to convince players Denver is a place you want to be and take a pay cut to win a championship with Joker. Those players who will be on a minimum who can shot and bring offense to the bench

[mademan]

Murray for Kyrie and PJ?

Mavs get a win now guard who's actually healthy and can start the season for them. Also younger and may fit their timeline better. Nuggets are good enough with Jokic alone to wait for Kyrie and bring him back slowly and get an extra starter caliber player with PJ. Gives them a higher ceiling in the playoffs. I have no idea how they dump MPJ

[guynumber45]

I don't really see how Denver can re-tool. They don't have much draft capital and they have a bunch of overpaid players on the roster. They are stuck with this team. Just gotta hope the young guys take a step in the offseason and some free agents take a paycut to play with Joker

[scrabbarista]

Take a look at the 2011 Mavs. They lacked the traditional number 2 on a title team but they had:
Past Prime Kidd: still a good playmaker and had developed a good outside shot
Chandler: excellent rebounding big who provided good defense
Terry: this is honestly a good comparison for Murray. Streaky, small scoring guard whose value coming from his heaters.
Peja: past-prime secondary star who was still a strong shooter.
Butler

Dirk was the one who made that team work but there was actual significant talent depth 2-15. Does anyone think the Nuggets have a similar talent pool? I don't. If the Nuggets looked like that I wouldn't kill them for not acquiring a true 8-15 guy in the NBA player as a #2.

When I look at Denver, outside the inspired Gordon acquisition which does impress me, I just see a club throwing darts.

Yup. And I think that’s similar to Denver’s championship run.

Murray was much better back then, compared to now. You had Gordon. MPJ could at least throw it in the ocean some games. You had KCP in his prime. Bruce Brown who fit that roster perfectly, a vet Jeff Green who at least knew what he was doing when he was on the court and a rookie Braun who brought energy whenever he played. That was a legit well fitting roster.

Gordon is still Gordon. But again playoff Murray is a thing of the past now. MPJ unplayable. There is no replacement for KCP, Braun is in the Brown role but he’s in the starting lineup. And your bench is Russ, Watson, Strawther compared to Brown, Green, Braun.

This is just a significantly worse version of Denver’s championship team from 2 years ago.

And I agree, the only big move Denver has made that has ever made any sense during the time Jokic has been there was the AG trade. Everything else has been just little role player moves or giving out really bad contracts. Just butchered this roster construction

I would do this for Lakers.


Lakers get Murray, Braun

Nuggets get Reaves, Rui, Gabe, Vando



I think something along those lines with pick swaps or seconds added would be a good fit for both. Denver move on from Murray and pick up some depth.

As a Nuggets guy, I'd much rather play Pickett and the injured rookie than Gabe and Vando.

Braun is probably a better asset than Murray, Reaves, or Rui at this point. Especially on Denver, where he's always had great synergy with Jokic.

Lastly, I'll pass on having to find three guys (with no Braun) who can shore up a Reaves/Jokic defensive tandem.

[Ugly0598]

Denver:

Michael Porter, Jr + Jalen Pickett + future protected 1st

FOR

PJ Washington + Naji Marshall + Max Christie

————

Denver:

C - Nikola Jokic | DaRon Holmes
PF - Aaron Gordon | PJ Washington
SF - Naji Marshall
SG - Christian Braun | Max Christie
PG - Jamal Murray | Russell Westbrook

Dallas:

C - Cooper Flagg | Daniel Gafford | Dereck Lively
PF - Anthony Davis
SF - Michael Porter Jr | Caleb Martin
SG - Klay Thompson
PG - Kyrie Irving