The Denver Nuggets 2023-24 season came to a disappointing end in the semifinals of the 2024 NBA Playoffs. After a strong finish to the year and locking up the No. 2 spot in the Western brackets, the defending champions could not overcome the drive and fast-rising talent of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While they are sure to tweak the team this summer, they still have a championship-level mix and the best player on the planet on the roster. The Nuggets are unlikely to make major moves but if Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($15.4 million) and Reggie Jackson ($5.25 million) opt out of the final years of their deals it could give the organization some flexibility. With that in mind, here are 10 moves Denver could make this offseason.
Trade for Heat veteran Duncan Robinson
If Caldwell-Pope makes the jump into NBA free agency in July, it will leave a big void for the team at shooting guard. With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray dominating the ball when they are in games Denver has made sure to surround them with good shooters. A player who might be a good option to replace KCP could be Duncan Robinson.
The Heat veteran has long been a solid rotation player and dangerous three-point shooter. Trading for him could give the roster another under-the-radar weapon next season.
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Add versatile veteran guard Alec Burks
Adding depth will be a priority for Denver this summer since they are likely locked into Murray and Jokic being the bulk of their payroll for the next decade. One player who could be a nice addition is Knicks veteran Alec Burks. The 32-year-old plays rock-solid defense, is an underrated ball handler, is a reliable three-point shooter, and can be a contributor as a starter or off the bench.
Sign Toronto Raptors great Kyle Lowry
While he is not the player he used to be, Kyle Lowry would still be a valuable addition at a very affordable rate for any team, including the Denver Nuggets. The 38-year-old has settled nicely into a role as a contributor off the bench for recent teams and would be a cheap fail-safe if Murray misses some time due to injuries in 2024-25.
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Trade up for instant-offense prospect Carlton Carrington
The Denver Nuggets will definitely try to use the 2024 NBA Draft as an avenue to find players who can contribute next season. One player they should look at is Pittsburgh guard Carlton Carrington. The team may need to trade up a few spots for the 6-foot-3 player but it would be worth it to land the talented scorer who has a similar style to gifted sixth man Lou Williams.
The Nuggets could use more punch off the bench and Carrington would be a fun instant-offense player to add to the reserves unit.
Take a chance on Gordon Hayward
Speaking of adding punch to the bench, another option could be to take a flier on one-time All-Star Gordon Hayward. Yes, his injury history is a problem but he won’t be asked to play big minutes in Denver and is the sort of knockdown shooter that could be a good fit with the Nuggets. Furthermore, because of his lengthy issues with staying healthy, he might take a cheap prove-it deal to play for a contender.
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Draft Duke center Kyle Filipowski
The Denver Nuggets need to improve their depth behind Jokic. The three-time NBA MVP averaged just over 40 minutes this past season and that will continue to be a role of the dice as he gets older. Too many minutes are not good for big men as they age, especially one who moves around as much as “Joker.” That is why they could use their pick at 28 on Duke star Kyle Filipowski.
Filipowski has a similar skill set to Jokic and could be a good fit for Mike Malone’s system. Plus, there is a good chance he is still on the board when Denver is on the clock.
Take a flier on Timberwolves great Kevin Love
If the Nuggets want to improve the depth behind Jokic but not use a draft pick on the need, an interesting option could be to sign five-time All-Star Kevin Love. Like Lowry, he has settled nicely into a role as a bench player and could help maintain a high level of play on offense when Jokic is off the court.
Even after 16 seasons, he is still a very good passer, rebounder, and three-point shooter for a forward.
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Sign versatile bench forward Precious Achiuwa
If the Nuggets wanted a small-ball backup for Jokic that brings more defense, Raptors and Knicks veteran Precious Achiuwa could be a very affordable option. He played well for New York when Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson were out during the regular season and is surprisingly strong for a 6-foot-8 player that looks like a small forward.
Draft Swedish prospect Bobi Klintman
If the Nuggets wanted to use their top pick on a player they can slowly develop and groom to possibly replace Aaron Gordon, Swedish prospect Bobi Klintman could be considered. He should still be on the board late in Round 1 and is a very good athlete with a high ceiling on offense, but at the very least can be a strong rim protector in his early seasons.
The 6-foot-10 youngster needs to develop more strength but his potential makes him a possible steal at pick 28.
Trade for failed Lakers signing Gabe Vincent
If the organization wanted to try and find a player with similar tendencies to Bruce Brown, a player they missed this season, they might consider a trade for Heat and Lakers vet Gabe Vincent. The 27-year-old is a gritty 3-and-D player who could make an impact off the bench in the right system. He played a big part in Miami’s run to the Finals a year ago and could come at a cheap price in a trade after an injury-filled campaign in 2023-24.