A fatal mistake the Nuggets must correct at the 2025 NBA trade deadline

After a disappointing playoff exit last seasonthe Denver Nuggets trying to get back into the championship conversation. They are currently in fourth place in the Western Conference with a 21-15 win-loss record. While the Nuggets are doing pretty well, a lot has to do with that Nikola Jokić’s heavyweight.

The reigning NBA MVP has been at least as impressive this year, which is the reason for another MVP award. However, without him, the Nuggets look like a completely different team. To bolster their championship hopes, the team must address its lack of depth on the wings and find players who can make an impact on both ends of the floor. Without two-way players to pair with Jokic, Denver looks like just another team in the West. With NBA trade deadline It’s getting close, the front office needs to make some changes to give Jokic another shot at the title.

The absence of Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is still felt

There’s no doubt that Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have been instrumental in the Nuggets’ championship run in 2023. Their perimeter defense has proven extremely valuable, allowing the trio of Jokic, Murray and MPJ to focus their energy on offense. Unfortunately for the Nuggets, Brown signed with Indiana after the title run. On the other hand, KCP took his talents to Orlando during the 2024 offseason. Since then, the Nuggets have yet to find the perfect replacements.

To start the season, Nuggets coach Mike Malone made an adjustment by promoting Christian Brown to the starting position instead of KCP. Brown is playing well individually so far. However, anyone can say that he is not a replica of the KCP. On the other hand, Julian Strother has been asked to do his best to at least fill the holes left by Brown. At this point, it seems like too much responsibility is on the young shoulders of the 22-year-old forward.

During the current 2024-25 season, the Nuggets have been caught several times looking for answers on defense. When opposing teams heat up, the Mile High City team fights hard. In fact, it explains why the Nuggets have their defense rating at 113.6, which is 19th in the NBA.

Aaron Gordon’s injury

With the Nuggets already searching for suitable replacements for their key departures, Denver has suffered another blow in the current 2024-25 season. Aaron Gordon appears to be struggling with a calf strain. This is the same injury that forced him out 10 games earlier. He will miss another stretch of games after re-aggravating his calf.

Gordon has a big role in the Nuggets rotation. He defends the opponent’s wings well enough, and at the same time becomes a reliable stalker for Jokić’s timely passes. Without the 6-foot-8 power forward, Denver is handicapped at best on the wings. Furthermore, this puts more pressure on Jokic, Murray and MPJ to put in more effort on both ends of the floor.

As a result, the Nuggets have a major problem on the perimeter. Unless the Nuggets are able to resolve this issue, it doesn’t look like the franchise will be hoisting the NBA championship trophy anytime soon. Moreover, it would make sense that Jokic’s frustration is greater in Denver. The reigning NBA MVP is playing at his peak. Unfortunately, despite his brilliance, the Nuggets appear far from being a legitimate championship threat.

Potential trade with the Indiana Pacers for depth

Nuggets get: Aaron Nesmith ($11 million), Obi Taupin ($13 million), TJ McConnell ($9.3 million)

Pacers get: Michael Porter Jr. ($35.9 million)

The Nuggets don’t exactly have a lot of trade assets, which makes Michael Porter Jr. makes him the most expendable player in their rotation. To address the Nuggets’ glaring holes on their roster, they would be wise to trade with the Indiana Pacers. With MPJ’s huge contract, the team can use it to acquire the services of Aaron Nesmith, Obie Toppin and TJ McConnell. They are two potentially productive wings that can make an impact from the start.

Nesmith is an ideal 3-and-D player who seems to fit the team’s system perfectly, making him the top prize in the deal for Denver. On the other hand, Toppin is quite similar to Gordon in terms of skills and size, making him a temporary injury replacement. Furthermore, McConnell is a defensive ace, which should help mask the Nuggets’ defensive weaknesses. But more importantly, these three players should provide more depth around Jokic and Murray.

On the other hand, the Pacers want to rise to the championship. Getting an MPJ can be the missing piece of the puzzle. MPJ is a reliable shooter, who can help space the floor. It should also make Tyrese Haliburton’s life a little easier in terms of playmaking. Having the trio of Pascal Siakam, Halliburton and MPJ could potentially be scary in the Eastern Conference.