The Denver Nuggets suffered a major defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night, blowing a 20-point lead and heading out of the playoffs after Game 7 in the second round. Despite Nikola Jokic posting 34 points and 19 rebounds and Jamal Murray chipping in 35, they could not overcome the talented Timberwolves led by Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. There is major doubt about how the Nuggets can bounce back from this defeat because the Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder will only get better.
The Nuggets will only find it harder to win an NBA championship again every season with the improved competition in the West, and that is without mentioning the Boston Celtis in the East. To make amends for their difficult end to the 2023 campaign, the Nuggets can create a superteam this summer by trading for Donovan Mitchell.
Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, 2030 First-Round Pick
The Nuggets could be in trouble as they will likely lose Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency, but they can make a blockbuster move to replace him with Donovan Mitchell.
The Nuggets Create The Best Big Three In The NBA
Acquiring Donovan Mitchell would transform the Denver Nuggets into a formidable superteam, headlined by Mitchell, Nikola Jokic, and Jamal Murray. This new Big Three would arguably become the most dynamic and potent in the NBA, combining Mitchell’s explosive scoring ability, Jokic’s unmatched playmaking and dominance, and Murray’s clutch shooting. While the trade would see Denver sacrificing depth, the high-octane offensive potential and star power gained would more than compensate.
Additionally, the potential departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency would further deplete their depth, but the core trio would still position Denver as a top contender in the Western Conference. Given that the Nuggets fell in the second round this year, this bold move could be the necessary tweak to elevate them back to championship favorites. Building around the stellar foundation of Mitchell, Jokic, and Murray, Denver can leverage the remaining roster spots and future free agency to fill in the gaps, ensuring a balanced team that can dominate the playoffs.
The Cavaliers Rebuild With An Elite Shooter And Two Youngsters
The Cleveland Cavaliers are embarking on an intriguing rebuild, focusing on an elite shooter and two promising youngsters to revitalize their roster. With Donovan Mitchell’s future in Cleveland uncertain, the Cavs can now fully embrace their exciting young core of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Michael Porter Jr. fits seamlessly into this lineup, offering athleticism and sharpshooting. While Porter Jr. has room for improvement defensively, his offensive firepower can provide immediate benefits.
Slotting Max Strus into the shooting guard position could be a viable option, or the Cavaliers might explore additional trades to secure a new backcourt partner for Garland. By trading Mitchell to a Western Conference team, Cleveland avoids strengthening an Eastern Conference rival, which strategically benefits their long-term aspirations. This move positions the Cavaliers to develop a balanced and competitive team if Mitchell does not want to be in Cleveland anymore.
A Blockbuster Trade That Makes The Nuggets Favorites In The West
This blockbuster trade positions the Denver Nuggets as the clear favorites in the Western Conference. The Nuggets become major title contenders by creating the best Big Three in the NBA with Donovan Mitchell, Nikola Jokic, and Jamal Murray. With Aaron Gordon still in the lineup, the Nuggets boast a balanced two-way lineup capable of outscoring any team and dominating both inside and outside.
Jokic, a three-time MVP and arguably the best player in the world, will benefit immensely from having another elite scorer in Mitchell, making the Nuggets an exciting and formidable team. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers can rebuild quickly despite losing their best player, strategically sending Mitchell to a Western Conference team and avoiding strengthening an Eastern Conference rival.
What Grade Should This Trade Get?
Denver Nuggets: A
The Denver Nuggets deserve an A for this trade, as they emerge as clear winners by forming a dominant Big Three. The dynamic duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray is already formidable, and adding Donovan Mitchell into the mix significantly enhances their offensive firepower and athleticism. Mitchell’s scoring prowess and ability to create his own shot will seamlessly fit into the Nuggets’ system, providing Jokic with another elite option to facilitate and play off of.
No team in the NBA can boast a better Big Three, making the Nuggets a formidable opponent for any team. This trade addresses Denver’s need for a significant boost, especially considering their recent struggles against strong teams like the Timberwolves. Mitchell’s arrival not only rejuvenates the roster but also positions the Nuggets as serious contenders for the championship, making this trade a resounding success.
Cleveland Cavaliers: D
The Cleveland Cavaliers should receive a D for this trade, as it falls short of maximizing their return for a player of Donovan Mitchell’s caliber. While Mitchell might want to leave Cleveland, the franchise’s priority should be to extract the maximum value possible to build around their young core of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
Although Michael Porter Jr. is an elite shooter and can fit well into the team, the overall package from the Nuggets does not include a game-changer or enough assets to justify trading away their best player. The Cavaliers need more than just a good fit; they need a transformative return that propels their rebuild and significantly enhances their future prospects. This trade, while providing some talent, does not meet that criteria, meaning they lose in this one.
