The Denver Nuggets is a team poised to dominate the NBA trade rumors with their wealth of assets. It's only a matter of time before they acquire a star on the frontline.
Because of head coach Mike Malone (whom Cousins got along with), the Nuggets are the dark horse for DeMarcus Cousins but if that trade would not push through as the Kings hold on to Boogie (their only asset) there are solid frontline options for Denver.
Paul Millsap and Kevin Love stand out as prospects and the Nuggets have what the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers need.
Millsap of the Hawks has emerged as a top 20 player in the league but because of the Hawks' attempt to trade him, he has become a legitimate flight risk as illustrated by Zach Lowe of ESPN.
"The Denver Nuggets had the Hawks biting on a package of picks and players, including Kenneth Faried, for Millsap, per several league sources, but it's unclear if Denver would chase Westbrook."
The Hawks could take a package centered on Faried who'll take the power forward spot and probably ask for Danilo Gallinari and another young prospect (Will Barton or Gary Harris) and the Nuggets would be willing to give that up if Millsap somehow gives an assurance that he would re-sign.
Millsap gives the Denver Nuggets a first option on offense and form a trio with Nikola Jokic and Emmanuel Mudiay, two young prospects that constitute Denver's future in the NBA.
The Denver Nuggets' roster boasts a lot of versatility and they could also pursue Kevin Love since they can also provide what Cleveland needs. Their package would be slightly different as Tom Ziller of SB Nation presented.
"Denver is just a step below Boston in terms of the actual potential for a deal, assuming the Cavs are interested in Chandler or Gallo. Kenneth Faried isn't a fit on a team that pays Tristan Thompson that much money," Ziller wrote.
The package needs to have a center and the Nuggets consider Jokic as the untouchable. Nurkic would be a suitable trade piece. Along that line, Denver could offer Gallinari or Wilson Chandler, another veteran scoring wing.
There is ample reason to believe that the Nuggets' front office is working the phones ironing out a deal to consolidate their assets for a star. Opposing teams are not averse to trading with Tim Connelly the way they are with Danny Ainge. Thus, they might actually beat the Celtics in trading for a star player.