As of now, it appears the Nuggets’ roster is ready to go for the 2024-25 season. They’ve used the assets at their disposal and filled out the roster with a few veteran free agents and young players on two-way contracts.
Fans were pretty disappointed with the team’s offseason, and rightfully so. They lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, saw DaRon Holmes suffer a brutal Achilles tendon tear, and handed out second-round picks without adding anything.
But over time, the outlook has changed somewhat and the vision for the team’s future has become clearer and more inspiring. Julian Strawther has moved things in a positive direction with two excellent performances in Summer League; it looks like he can make a real contribution this season.
The team then signed two reliable veterans in Dario Saric and Russell Westbrook. They should bolster the bench and add some much-needed veterans to the second unit. The addition of these household names, especially former MVP Westbrook, seems to have brought some fans back to faith.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Nikola Jokic’s performance in dominating Serbia at the Paris Olympics was so incredible that his performance seemed to remind people of what a special player he is and how wide open this team’s title window is as long as he’s in Denver.
That said, Jokic’s play was also a reminder that the team is under pressure. He won’t stay at this level forever, and the team can’t afford to waste the opportunity it has. They have a few years of this version of the Joker and they need to take advantage of it to give him and the Nuggets the best possible chance to compete for titles.
Management seems confident about the direction and current state of the roster, but a slow start to the season could change that opinion pretty quickly. Just because the team is ready for now doesn’t mean it will stay that way.
Whether the team is off to a disappointing start to the season and looking to turn things around, or they are simply opportunistic and looking to improve, they will surely be keeping a close eye on the trade market. Here’s a look at 5 Nuggets who could be traded this season for one reason or another.
The name probably comes as no surprise to Nuggets fans who follow the team and the rumors surrounding him. But that doesn’t mean that statement has become any less accurate. MPJ is in a strange position: He’s a good player and clearly important to the Nuggets. But he’s also overpaid and the least important of the Nuggets’ four key players.
He’s young enough to have some trade value despite his contract and could be attractive to teams looking for a big wing who can score baskets. If the Nuggets decide to make a major change during the season, Porter Jr. is undoubtedly the most likely candidate to be moved.
His salary would allow the team to bring back almost any player in the league who isn’t a superstar and has a max contract, or perhaps several solid players to add depth to the rotation. Getting rid of his contract would also open the Nuggets up for the future and make it easier for them to sign other players and add talent down the road.
