How This Trade Impacts Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets have a major hole in their lineup with Jamal Murray being sidelined. He injured his left knee on April 12th, and it was diagnosed as a torn ACL. He will likely miss the entire 2021-22 season as a result.
Without him, Denver will likely fall short of being contenders in the Western Conference. But, they have the reigning MVP in Nikola Jokic, so they will be competitive. One of the reasons they will be is that they have Will Barton to help compensate for the loss of Murray.
That is as much of a reason as any that the Nuggets wouldn’t entertain this trade offer. Barton is too important to their offensive attack to part ways with. Unless they were getting an upgrade at the point guard position back, which they are not in this deal, trading him would be a non-starter.
Hield would provide Denver with some efficient, high-volume 3-point shooting. They were 9th in the NBA in 3-point percentage last season but were middle of the road in makes and attempts. That is something Hield would change, but at the cost of Barton, it isn’t worthwhile.
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JaMychal Green is also expected to be an integral part of their rotation in the frontcourt. He could be the first big off the bench along with Jeff Green. Surrendering two key cogs of your rotation, especially with Murray sidelined, is not a recipe for success for the Nuggets.
There is not much to get excited about this hypothetical swap if you are the Nuggets. Do the Kings feel the same way about this deal? Let’s take a look at it from their point of view.
