The Denver Nuggets are one of the aspiring contenders that are expected to pursue another superstar on the trade market in the 2021 offseason. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray may have already blossomed into All-Star caliber players but with the emergence of superteams in the league, the Nuggets would need more star power on their roster in order to have a realistic chance of fully dominating the loaded Western Conference and capturing the Larry O’Brien Trophy in the 2021-22 NBA season.
Dream Trade Target In 2021 Offseason – Paul George
One of the dream trade targets for the Nuggets in the 2021 offseason is All-Star small forward Paul George of the Los Angeles Clippers. George is yet to become officially available on the trading block. However, earlier in June, a Western Conference executive who spoke to Jabari Young of CNBC floated the idea that the Clippers may consider trading their second-best player if they "failed to meet expectations" this season.
Once the Clippers starting listening to offers for him, the Nuggets should do everything they can to acquire George this summer.
Proposed Blockbuster Trade To Acquire Paul George
In a recent article, Greg Patuto of NBA Analysis Network came up with a hypothetical blockbuster trade idea that would enable the Nuggets to acquire George from the Clippers in the 2021 offseason. In the proposed trade scenario, the Nuggets would be sending a package that includes Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, Monte Morris, the No. 26 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2028 first-round pick to the Clippers in exchange for George.
If the trade becomes a reality, Patuto believes that it would help both teams in filling up the needs to improve on their roster.
Why The Clippers Would Make The Trade
The proposed blockbuster trade would be worth exploring for the Clippers. Aside from acquiring one of the fastest rising stars in the league in Porter Jr., they would get an immediate replacement for George in the wing in Gordon and a point guard in Morris.
"Even if Kawhi Leonard were to return to the Clippers in free agency, he’s likely to miss most of the 2021-22 season. Now would be the prime opportunity to move Paul George in exchange for more depth and a rising star in Michael Porter Jr. Having a full season as a feature threat could do wonders for the development of Porter Jr," Patuto wrote. "Being able to also receive a replacement wing defender in Gordon along with a steady-hand at point guard with Morris would be something to consider."
Nuggets Create Own ‘Big Three’
Trading MPJ would be a tough decision for the Nuggets. However, it might be worth it if it means acquiring a more established superstar in George. George is battle-tested in the playoffs and has plenty of experience going up against the best players in the league.
His potential arrival in Denver would tremendously improve their performance on both ends of the floor, giving them a prolific scorer, rebounder, playmaker, lockdown defender, and floor-spacer. This season, he averaged 23.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 46.7 percent from the field and 41.1 percent from beyond the arc, per ESPN. If George, Jokic, and Murray build good chemistry, the Nuggets could form their own "Big Three" and instantly become one of the heavy favorites to win the 2022 NBA championship title.
