Danilo Gallinari (Photo : Getty Images Sport)
The NBA trade rumors continue and one underrated team that could create some buzz is the Denver Nuggets.
They already have veteran pieces that they can pitch in a trade with Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried and Wilson Chandler but who among them is the best asset? According to CBS Sports writer James Herbert, Gallinari is a "steal" for whichever team trades for him.
Gallinari is not creating much buzz, but according to Herbert, "this Nugget is a proven commodity and an upcoming free agent. If the front office can't package Gallinari and other assets in a deal for a big name, then it might need to look at what it can get for him."
Teams looking for frontcourt scoring will definitely benefit from acquiring Gallinari. He can contribute 20 points a game on average if he's given enough opportunities.
Another trade asset that the Nuggets have is Jusuf Nurkic. Herbert mentioned that the Nuggets have moved on from giving him a major role as they have designated Nikola Jokic as their primary big man. Nurkic emerges as "a medium-risk, high-reward gamble for a team that can afford to give him playing time."
There are some superstars that can be available in a trade, if rumors are believed. The Nuggets have always been linked to DeMarcus Cousins and it's hard to imagine that Gallinari and Nurkic won't be included in a package.
In this proposal from Fansided blog Nugg Love, the two players will be sent to Chicago along with Will Barton and two first round picks.
"Gallinari would be a good addition, as he could play the small forward position along Dwyane Wade at the two guard. Will Barton would be a great boost off of the bench, along with Nurkic who could back up Robin Lopez," the proposal stated.
It might be too expensive, especially if they send out two first round picks (it can't be consecutive years though, as the article proposed). However, they do own the Memphis Grizzlies pick and if they do get Butler, the Nuggets are likely to make the playoffs.
Aside from Cousins and Butler, the Nuggets are also linked to John Wall, sending out Emmanuel Mudiay and his steep learning curve along with Gallinari and Nurkic. This would help the Wizards solve the supposed "power struggle" between Wall and Bradley Beal.
These are all options for the Denver Nuggets but the actual negotiations would not be as simple. Still, the Nuggets have the assets and they can reach the next level in any of these trades.
