The Denver Nuggets are reportedly interested in acquiring Jordan Poole and Jonas Valanciunas, as the team looks to bolster its roster and address its underwhelming performance this season. According to Tony Jones and Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Nuggets have expressed interest or held preliminary trade discussions about several players, including Poole and Valanciunas. This move could help alleviate the team’s struggles, despite Nikola Jokic’s historic campaign.
The Nuggets currently sit seventh in the Western Conference with a 16-13 record, a mark that hardly reflects the reigning champions’ potential. Their positive record can largely be attributed to Jokic who is having one of the greatest individual seasons in NBA history.
The three-time MVP is averaging a staggering 30.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game, shooting 57.0% from the field and an astounding 49.1% from beyond the arc. He ranks in the top three for points, rebounds, and assists, a feat no other player in league history has achieved. However, Jokic’s brilliance has not been enough to mask the team’s shortcomings.
Jamal Murray’s underwhelming season has added to Denver’s woes. Although his averages of 19.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game appear respectable, his shooting efficiency—43.3% from the field and 35.6% from three—has declined, and his signature shot-making ability is noticeably absent.
Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr. has struggled to establish consistency, prompting trade rumors linking him to potential deals for Zach LaVine. Porter Jr. is also linked with a potential trade for Brooklyn Nets’ Cam Johnson, who is having a career year.
Adding Jordan Poole could inject offensive creativity and scoring depth. Despite his inconsistency with the Washington Wizards, Poole has shown flashes of brilliance, capable of taking pressure off Jokic and Murray. Jonas Valanciunas, on the other hand, would address Denver’s need for interior presence and rebounding. The Lithuanian big man is a proven double-double machine and could significantly ease Jokic’s workload in the paint.
To acquire Poole or Valanciunas, the Nuggets may need to part with players like Zeke Nnaji or offer future draft assets. Nnaji, a former first-round pick, has struggled to find consistent minutes but could thrive with more opportunities elsewhere. Draft picks, coupled with Nnaji, could be enticing for a rebuilding Wizards team.
The Nuggets’ front office faces critical decisions as the trade deadline approaches. With Jokic performing at an unprecedented level, Denver must capitalize on their championship window.
Adding Poole, Valanciunas, or another high-impact player could provide the reinforcements they desperately need to reclaim their spot atop the Western Conference. Whether they can pull off a trade without mortgaging their future remains to be seen, but their willingness to explore bold moves signals a commitment to remaining competitive.
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