The Denver Nuggets are reportedly looking to move Jusuf Nurkic, and among the potential destinations for the 22-year-old center are the Boston Celtics and Portland Trail Blazers.
The Nuggets' little experiment of pairing Nurkic and Nikola Jokic did not turn out well for Denver, leading to the latter getting a primary role in Mike Malone's rotation. While Nurkic is averaging a respectable 8.6 points and 6.1 rebounds in 18.5 minutes a game of action in his third year the Nuggets, the team is still reportedly actively looking to move him before the February 23 deadline, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
"Sources say that the Nuggets, having acknowledged that Nikola Jokic and Nurkic didn't click as a pairing, are actively working to find Nurkic a new home that would give him the chance he deserves to be a front-line center," Stein wrote.
Nurkic would be a tremendous boost for teams looking to shore up their frontcourt. He may not be much of a factor on the defensive end, but his scoring and rebounding game should help contenders like the Blazers and Celtics, who are both reportedly interested in adding the third-year big man.
SB Nation's Dave Deckard explored the possibility of the Blazers acquiring Nurkic from the Nuggets and how the young center could fit in Portland's system. The Blazers badly needs to improve their inside scoring and rebounding game if they want to push for a playoff spot, and Nurkic would tick all of those boxes.
It is still unclear whether the Blazers have genuine interests in trading for Nurkic, although they have plenty of tradable assets that could entice Denver for a potential transaction.
Another team linked to Nurkic is the Celtics, with the team also in need of a center, who could contribute on both ends of the floor. Like Portland, there is an urgency in Boston to add a rebounding big man who could fit well in Brad Steven's schemes. Adding Nurkic would help Al Horford flourish at the four spot and focus more on his offense.
While the Celtics have plenty of trade chips to orchestrate a blockbuster deal, a minimal upgrade like Nurkic could be the best move for the Cs, according to Jesse Blancarte of Basketball Insiders.
"With Isaiah Thomas playing at superstar levels and the rest of the team playing within their respective roles, Ainge may opt to make marginal upgrades while holding onto his major assets for after the season," Blancarte wrote.
Although it remains to be seen whether the Celtics would make a run at Nurkic, expect them to consider such scenario prior to the trade deadline.
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