Top 2 trades the Nuggets must make before the 2025 NBA trade deadline

The Denver Nuggets prove that they are in a great position to defend the title this season. Led by reigning Finals MVP Nikola Jokic and backed by a strong core, Denver is built for another championship run. Of course, the list showed brilliance. However, it is clear that a few strategic moves could push this team to even greater heights. How is 2025? NBA trade deadline approaches, the Nuggets have an opportunity to address their bench depth and round out their rotation. By adding a sharp wing and an experienced center, Denver could significantly improve their chances of reclaiming the title. Here are two trades the Nuggets should consider making before the deadline.

Denver Nuggets 2024-25 season so far

The 2024-25 NBA season has been a successful one so far for the Denver Nuggets. They currently holds a 25-16 record. And Nikola Jokić continues to assert himself as one of the league’s most dominant players. Of course, the question of how long his peak will last is a mystery even to the most seasoned observers.

Jokic is surely the best player in Nuggets franchise history. However, he will turn 30 on February 19. That’s just a few weeks after the NBA trade deadline. However, for the Denver office, there are some challenges. Note that Michael Porter Jr. is the only player on the roster other than Jokic who makes more than $10 million a year and is eligible to be traded. Zeke Nnaji and Dario Saric are the only players earning more than $4 million which can be traded. Yes, Porter has increased his trade value in recent weeks. However, both Saric and Nnaji’s impact on the pitch didn’t quite match their salaries for most of the season.

The Nuggets’ only tradeable first-round pick at this point is the 2031 pick. This is due to the Stepien Rule, which restricts teams from trading first-round picks in consecutive seasons. The value of this pick largely depends on how long Jokic’s career lasts and how successful the Nuggets will be in the coming years.

Here, we’ll discuss the top three trades the Denver Nuggets must make before the 2025 NBA trade deadline.

Shop for Bogdan Bogdanović

One clear area where the Nuggets could use improvement is bench scoring. Acquiring a skilled winger like Bogdan Bogdanović would go a long way in solving that need. The Atlanta Hawks’ versatile forward is considered one of the league’s most reliable scorers. He can spread the floor while also acting as a stable secondary ball handler. Remember that the Nuggets relied heavily on their starting five for offensive production. In addition, Bogdanović would be a proven scorer who could step into the role of the sixth man and immediately launch an attack from the bench.

Bogdanovic’s ability to shoot from distance and create his own shot would be a natural fit in Denver’s offense. They thrive on ball movement and spacing. His efficiency, especially from beyond the arc, would stretch opposing defenses and create more opportunities for Jokic. With the ability to come off the bench and contribute 15-20 points a game, Bogdanovic would be a significant upgrade to a Nuggets bench that has struggled at times to provide scoring depth when needed.

Moreover, Bogdanovic brings a wealth of postseason experience. He played on several competitive teams over the years. Additionally, few non-Nuggets players have spent as much time with Nikola Jokic as Bogdanovic. Let’s remind you, they shared the field with Jokić during the Olympic competitions. A versatile winger, Bogdanovic could step into the starting point guard position or be a key player off the bench for Denver.

Exchange for Jonas Valanciunas

Yes, increasing bench results is critical. However, Denver also needs to address its frontcourt depth, especially at the center position. Of course, Jokic is undoubtedly one of the best in the league. Still, having a reliable backup center to provide quality minutes when Jokic is rested can make the difference between a first-round exit and a deep playoff run. This is where Jonas Valanciunas enters the scene. The Washington Wizards big man would be an ideal addition to fill this need.

Valanciunas is known for his physical presence in the paint. He can dominate the boards and score effectively in the post. A proven double-double machine, he would offer a more traditional, physical contrast to Jokić’s fine-tuned style. The Lithuanian center’s ability to secure extra possession would be invaluable in tight playoff games. His size and strength would also give the Nuggets a matchup advantage against bigger centers.

Valanciunas would solve Denver’s backup center dilemma. Keep in mind that the 32-year-old veteran is unlikely to be a long-term part of a rebuilding Wizards team. This is especially true after he was relegated to the bench behind promising young player Alexander Sarr. Moving Valanciunas would allow Washington to get younger while also giving them more flexibility to focus on their rebuilding efforts. For the Nuggets, this could be the perfect opportunity to acquire a reliable veteran center. They can potentially send away future picks or players who are a better fit for the Wizards’ long-term vision.

Looking Ahead

The Denver Nuggets are in a strong position to defend their championship, but standing still is not an option. By acquiring a proven scorer like Bogdan Bogdanovic and a solid, reliable center like Jonas Valanciunas, the Nuggets would not only improve their depth, but position themselves for another deep playoff run. Adding these two players would make the Nuggets a more balanced team, capable of maintaining a high level of play even with injuries or fatigue. As the trade deadline approaches, these two moves should be at the forefront of Denver’s strategy, cementing their place as the team to beat in the Western Conference.