Since winning a championship in 2023, the Denver Nuggets have looked pretty much the same.
Face of the franchise Nikola Jokic still leaves his fingerprints all over the game, often willing the Nuggets to victory. The athletic Aaron Gordon still plays a connective role on offense and takes on tough defensive assignments. Marksman Michael Porter Jr. has become more confident scoring off-the-dribble, but still does his best work beyond the arc. Jamal Murray still looks like he’s a notch below a true All-Star, but is relied upon heavily offensively.
The problem is that their competition has gotten better.
Nuggets’ Reluctance In Paul George Trade Talks Is Negligent
The Los Angeles Lakers improved their coaching, long their Achilles heel, by hiring JJ Redick. The Phoenix Suns have a Big 3 with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. They also hired a two-time Coach of the Year in Mike Budenholzer. The Dallas Mavericks swapped Tim Hardaway Jr. for Klay Thompson.
In the East, the New York Knicks traded for Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges. The Philadelphia 76ers managed to pry Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers.
Out of all those moves, the one that might haunt the Nuggets down the line is George signing with the Sixers. This isn’t just because Philadelphia has a real chance to reach the NBA Finals this season and beyond. It’s also because Denver probably could’ve acquired George in a sign-and-trade, if only they had been willing to play ball.
According to ESPN insider Ramona Shelburne, “the Nuggets inquired about Paul George this offseason, but talks never escalated because Denver refused to discuss (Christian) Braun, (Peyton) Watson or (Julian) Strawther, and the Clippers weren’t interested in solely taking back future salary — likely the $147 million owed to Porter and Zeke Nnaji.”
If true, Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth’s refusal to include Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, or Julian Strawther in a trade for George should be seen as negligence.
Paul George Is Generational
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka’s reluctance to trade Austin Reaves has prevented them from landing players like Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young. Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. is receiving flak for making Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski virtually untouchable. However, the difference between not trading Kuminga, Podziemski, or Reaves and not trading Braun, Watson, or Strawther is significant, as nobody in the Nuggets trio is considered to have star potential.
Even factoring in Braun and Watson’s status as defensive specialists doesn’t absolve Booth. Lockdown wing defenders aren’t a dime a dozen, but players of George’s caliber are exceedingly rare.
The Palmdale native’s reputation has suffered because he’s injury-prone and can be pretty streaky in the playoffs. Yet, he’s one of just eight active players to earn nine All-Star selections. He’s one of just three players in NBA history (the others being LeBron James and Stephen Curry) to average at least 20 points per game, 1.5 steals per game, and have made at least 2,000 three-pointers.
That being said, the Nuggets are a championship-contender so long as Jokic is in his prime. Because of that, Booth is obligated to give Denver the best chance they can to win a title. If he passed up a chance to land a generational talent just to hold onto Braun, Watson, or Strawther, he should be on the way out.
The Nuggets weren’t guaranteed to strike gold with George. Nonetheless, replacing Porter with a more dynamic scorer, shot-creator, playmaker, and defender likely would’ve made it easier to win another ring.
