Nuggets’ Shocking Trade Deadline Moves: You Won’t Believe Who’s Leaving Denver!

The recent NBA Trade Deadline brought a whirlwind of activity, reshaping rosters across the league, with the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks making significant moves. The Clippers parted ways with two prominent starters in an effort to reform a squad that had previously showcased fierce playoff competitiveness. Meanwhile, the Mavericks traded former All-Star center Anthony Davis, who has struggled with injuries, to the Washington Wizards, while Kristaps Porzingis has found a new home with the Golden State Warriors.

In contrast, the Denver Nuggets took a more measured approach. They executed a low-key trade involving seldom-used forward Hunter Tyson, sending him to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for a second-round draft pick. This maneuver not only provided the Nuggets with some much-needed salary cap relief but also opened up a roster spot. However, it didn’t deliver any immediate reinforcements for their playoff aspirations.

Nuggets Focus on the Buy-out Market

The Nuggets appear to be strategically setting their sights on the NBA's upcoming “buy-out” market. By trading Tyson, the team was able to clear enough cap space to fall below the NBA’s “second apron,” thereby sidestepping additional luxury taxes and gaining eligibility to sign free agents. This shift also allows the Nuggets to fill two open spots on their roster, as they have had an unoccupied slot throughout the season.

One of these spots has already been filled with the conversion of forward Spencer Jones’ two-way contract into a full NBA deal. Jones has been a critical contributor to the team, starting regularly for the past month, ensuring he remains with the Nuggets rather than returning to the G-League.

The other roster spot remains uncertain. Speculation suggests that the Nuggets may explore the buy-out market, where players with existing contracts can be signed to veteran minimum deals after being released by their current teams. This could prove beneficial for teams like Denver that are facing salary cap restrictions.

With injuries impacting the roster, the Nuggets are keenly aware of their depth issues. Back guard Christian Braun has been sidelined for 23 games due to an ankle injury. Although he has yet to find his rhythm offensively since returning to play, more minutes on the court could help alleviate some pressure on All-Star Jamal Murray. Murray has faced increased defensive scrutiny, often drawing double teams, making the need for a backup ball-handler all the more critical.

The Nuggets are also anticipating the return of starting forward Cam Johnson, who is expected back soon after a knee injury sidelined him. Johnson’s shot-making ability will be vital, especially with recently injured forward Peyton Watson, who has impressed in a stretch where he stepped up significantly during Nikola Jokic's absence, now expected to be out for an extended period due to a hamstring injury.

Compounding the team’s challenges, the Nuggets will also be without power forward Aaron Gordon for several weeks as he recovers from his own hamstring injury. Gordon’s physical presence on both ends of the court has been irreplaceable; thus, his absence raises the stakes for the Nuggets as they navigate this critical phase of the season.

Given these circumstances, the need for a robust front court addition via the buy-out market appears paramount. With an open roster spot and several veteran players likely to become available post-All-Star break, the Nuggets are poised to make strategic acquisitions that could bolster their playoff push.