The Denver Nuggets are entering a pivotal offseason in which their roster is crying out for upgrades. The organization will be under major pressure to properly reopen the championship window around Nikola Jokic.
It has not been discussed enough, but 2025-26 represents the second-last guaranteed season for the Nuggets having Jokic on the books. The Serbian superstar has a player option for the 2027-28 season.
It is certainly not time to panic in Denver. Jokic has given no immediate indicators to suggest the Nuggets superstar wants to leave the franchise. However, continuing to fall short of a championship will surely not be a good look when the best player in the world plays for the Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets talks to an official.
Nikola Jokic (right) speaks to an NBA official.
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
In an effort to push the Nuggets closer to title contention in 2025-26, Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report suggested one ambitious trade target for Denver to chase. The player in question was Derrick White.
In a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Shams Charania explained that trading Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Sam Hauser are the priorities for the Boston Celtics this season. However, there was a twist.
Charania also alluded to the idea that apart from Jayson Tatum, anyone on the Celtics roster can be had for the right price. This is where the Nuggets can come into the picture to push for White.
Hughes wrote, "Everybody loves Christian Braun, but the Denver Nuggets need an even more dynamic two-way threat next to Jamal Murray to maximize Nikola Jokić's prime."
Hughes continued:
"Derrick White is among the best defensive guards in the league and is the kind of three-point shooter whom opponents get yanked off the floor for leaving open.
His value as a spacer is far greater than Braun's, and his superiority as a playmaker (4.8 assists per game last year) would give the Nuggets never-before-seen levels of offensive savvy and dynamism."
The Bleacher Report writer admitted it would probably take a third team to get this potential deal done. However, at the cost of draft capital, Christian Braun, and rerouting Michael Porter Jr. elsewhere, the Nuggets could land an 'ideal fit.'