The Denver Nuggets need reinforcements around Nikola Jokic. The offseason trade market could offer them an opportunity to make those additions. Reports have indicated one key target has already emerged for the Nuggets.
It will not be easy navigating trade discussions with rival teams, given the lack of financial flexibility and trade assets at Denver's disposal. Any upgrades made by the Nuggets would likely be viewed as 'sneaky' ones.
Not everyone is in a position like the Houston Rockets, who have a ton of talent and draft capital to spare. They are in a position to navigate the offseason trade market as they please.
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets.
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Rockets have already undergone a major makeover with the addition of Kevin Durant via trade from the Phoenix Suns. The Nuggets are reportedly hoping they will consider another change to the roster this offseason.
Michael Scotto released another installment of his rumor mill roundups ahead of the beginning to free agency. One piece of intel that Nuggets fans will be interested in is the team's rumored interested in Cam Whitmore.
Scotto wrote, “Houston Rockets swingman Cam Whitmore has drawn trade interest from the Chicago Bulls (before the Isaac Okoro acquisition) and Denver Nuggets, among others, league sources told HoopsHype.”
The NBA insider also made note of the fact that the Rockets have shown a willingness to dangle Whitmore in trades. Granted, that was under different circumstances.
Scotto added, "It’s worth noting Whitmore was nearly traded to the Phoenix Suns in the Kevin Durant trade, league sources told HoopsHype. Instead, Phoenix opted for more future second-round draft pick compensation, HoopsHype has learned."
Whitmore appeared in 51 games for the Rockets this past season. The former first-round pick averaged 9.4 points and 3.0 rebounds, shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from 3-point.
The Rockets forward comes across as the type of player who would benefit from playing alongside Jokic. In all fairness, the same can be said of almost anyone in the NBA.
Still, an opportunity to bolster the talent around the best player in the world appears to be present. Figuring out the exact price is the next step in the process for the Nuggets.