The Denver Nuggets will be heading into the upcoming season with one of the most complete rosters in the NBA. When looking at the additions the team has made in the offseason, the Nuggets boast depth at almost every position.
But they aren’t the only team that has gotten better. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder will remain powerful, while others like the Los Angeles teams have cultivated roster strength through free agency signings.
In this regard, Denver could look at adding some more depth to their roster, particularly in the backcourt rotation, to improve their defense. With the New Orleans Pelicans becoming a potential trade partner, we explore a trade idea that allows the Nuggets to acquire a fearless defensive guard.
Proposed Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Jose Alvarado
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Hunter Tyson, Jalen Pickett, 2032 second-round pick
A trade for Jose Alvarado could be of interest to Denver, primarily because of what he might bring to the team. While Alvarado has been a key rotation player for the Pelicans, there is an expectation that he could see a reduction in playing time.
This may be attributed to the recent moves the Pelicans have made. With the acquisition of Jordan Poole and the imminent return of Dejounte Murray, New Orleans features a very potent backcourt duo.
While Alvarado was always viewed as a bench player, he started in 23 games last season. The subsequent increase in playing time allowed him to showcase his abilities on both ends of the floor, as he averaged 10.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
While this would put the 27-year-old in a solid position to retain his place on the team, the Pelicans may opt to go in a different direction. After drafting a talented young guard in Jeremiah Fears, the veteran guard may see his role on the roster come under threat.
Fears is still a long way away from being ready, as his defensive instincts and physical strength need work. But given the timeline the Pelicans appear to be on, they may show a preference to develop their rookie into a solid rotation piece.
This paves the way for the Nuggets to inquire about Alvarado, who is at the risk of becoming dispensable. The Pelicans guard is known for his feisty defensive work. His iconic backcourt sneak attacks earned him the nickname “Grand Theft Alvarado”.
Jose Alvarado (sneaky steal) https://t.co/XgOhrZfRmh pic.twitter.com/iRNDHTjkgp
— 👽 (@stalexongame) August 20, 2024
While being a defensive threat, Alvarado is also a solid point guard in general. His playmaking and outside shooting ability make him a threat on offense, and his on-court communication is also a key factor in rallying the second unit.
The Nuggets don’t possess a playmaking point guard at the current juncture. Nikola Jokic‘s high usage rate is attributed to his role as the primary facilitator, and with Russell Westbrook leaving in free agency, the Nuggets don’t have enough players to take on this role.
Alvarado may not be the answer in the traditional sense. But his hustle and smarts could make an impact when players like Jamal Murray or Christian Braun are off the floor.
In many ways, the guard is reminiscent of former Nuggets player Facundo Campazzo. Considering the impact Campazzo had off the bench, the Nuggets could see Alvarado playing a similar role for them.
