Trade rumors circulating the Denver Nuggets continue to swirl, as many around the league and the media believe this iteration of the Nuggets is not championship-ready. They’re only two years removed from winning it all, but a lot can happen in two years, and Denver’s status today looks much different. With several big names being linked to them over the past few weeks, the Washington Wizards have two players on their roster that the Nuggets are reportedly eyeing.<\/p>\n
According to Sam Amick<\/span><\/a>\u00a0of The Athletic,\u00a0<\/span>Jonas Valan\u010di\u016bnas<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Jordan Poole<\/span><\/a>\u00a0are rumored to be in the Nuggets crosshairs. Tony Jones, also with The Athletic, joined Amick in reporting Denver’s interest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Valan\u010di\u016bnas is no stranger to trade rumors this season. The\u00a0<\/span>Los Angeles Lakers<\/span><\/a>\u00a0held the highest interest amongst teams in the 13-year veteran center as a free agent in the offseason. No deal was struck, though, and Valan\u010di\u016bnas signed in Washington instead. He and the Lakers have continued to be linked to one another for much of the season in trade scenarios. Valan\u010di\u016bnas remains a hot trade target for several teams because his size and rim protection are two of his greatest assets. Sliding beside or behind,\u00a0<\/span>Nikola Joki\u0107<\/span><\/a>\u00a0could take some pressure off Denver’s 3x MVP. Valan\u010di\u016bnas’s defense could immediately impact Denver, as it would for any team that trades for him. While the paint might be crowded at times, consider a pairing of Joki\u0107 and Valan\u010di\u016bnas\u2014what a force that could be.<\/span><\/p>\n Poole’s trade interest around the league has not nearly been as high as Valan\u010di\u016bnas’s. Nor has it reached\u00a0<\/span>Kyle Kuzma<\/span><\/a>‘s level of interest, Poole’s other Wizards teammate. Kuzma will likely move on over the next several weeks like Valan\u010di\u016bnas. Whatever trade value Poole has drawn this season is minimal. His value, whatever it may be, comes from his offensive abilities. Say what you want about his antics, behavior, or childish demeanor on the court at times. Poole can shoot the lights out if he’s on target. He showcased his scoring touch when sharing the backcourt with\u00a0<\/span>Steph Curry<\/span><\/a>\u00a0in\u00a0<\/span>Golden State<\/span><\/a>. Poole would immediately take some pressure off \u00a0<\/span>Jamal Murray<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Joki\u0107, giving the Nuggets a legitimate scoring threat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Nuggets already added a solid role player in future Hall of Famer\u00a0<\/span>Russell Westbrook<\/span><\/a>\u00a0in the offseason. Westbrook has played relatively well in his limited role. However, since winning the championship in 2023, the Nuggets haven’t added a significant, game-changing roster piece. Instead, they’ve let them walk in free agency. In the subsequent two seasons since winning the NBA finals,\u00a0<\/span>Kentavious Caldwell-Pope<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Bruce Brown<\/span><\/a>\u00a0have exited Mile High City.<\/span><\/p>\nA Big Trade Could Dramatically Change the Season<\/h3>\n