The Boston Celtics have a goal to turn their multiple assets into certified stars.
While a blockbuster trade might not be a realistic goal at this time, they can still improve their team.
The Denver Nuggets are on the cusp of a possible rebuild movement. They have a core of veterans and they used to make the playoffs but usually end of booted after the first round.
Last season, they failed to reach the postseason as the West became more competitive. They found gold in the lottery with Emmanuel Mudiay, which could be a building block for the future.
How can the Nuggets continue to improve? They may have to trade some of their veterans, and Danilo Gallinari may be their best trade chip, as SB Nation pointed out.
The Italian star could play a bigger role for the Nuggets but he will be a "hot commodity at the trade deadline." The Boston Celtics will definitely take a chance, and CBS actually reported that they actually negotiated during the offseason although no details were given out.
Gallinari's long term, reasonable contract and his versatile skills make him a prime target-what would it take for the Nuggets to give him up?
A combination of David Lee's expiring contract and the Dallas Mavericks' first round pick (top 7 protected) was proposed by user cl2117 in a Real GM forum.
Lee is obviously salary filler, and since he's expiring, it is of no consequence. The Dallas Mavericks are too proud to actually tank, since they go out and sign free agents like Wesley Matthews, but they probably would not make the Western Conference playoffs.
This means there's a big possibility that their pick would be in the lottery and not be in the protected top 7. If the Nuggets take this, they could have two lottery picks and cap space.
Would it be enough? It would depend on Gallinari's performance this season and also the other teams' offers. But it's a safe bet that after drafting Mudiay, the Nuggets would be willing to trade their vets for first round/lottery picks.