This 2024-25 campaign was filled with highs and lows for the Denver Nuggets, and ultimately lacked its goal of returning to the NBA peak.
The Denver Nuggets season is remembered for the firing of manager Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth, with only three of the 82 remaining.
Surprisingly, the Nuggets remained as deep as the Western Conference semi-finals that brought the NBA Best OKC Thunder to the limit, eventually losing 4-3 in the series.
But while moral victory isn’t enough for the Nuggets, he knows he has to do whatever it takes to win another title to maximize the best player in the world, Nicola Jokic.
After averaging historic triple-double this season, Jokic has been much heavier for Denver in this NBA playoff. This led Charles Barkley to blame the Nuggets’ leadership for not providing the appropriate help he deserves.
Paul Pierce suggested a star veteran who could help them in terms of what the Nuggets can do to improve their roster and their chances of winning a second title on Jokic.
“If we got the best players for the next five years, we could put some pieces on it,” Pierce said of KG certification.
“If they had that team and Demar Delozan right now with the Joker, he doesn’t have to be the best player or the second best player every night. He’s going to give you more than Michael Porter Jr. gave you.
“You know what I’m saying? If he gets out there and gives you a solid 15 (points), good night, he’ll give you five double double assists and rebounds he can.
After De’aaron Fox’s midseason trade departure and yet another seasonal drawback for the Sacramento Kings, Demar Derozan is one of the few important names to see in the NBA trade market this summer.
He had another solid individual year this season, averaging 22.2 points, 4.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds, shooting 47.7% off the field in 77 games.
Following a play-in defeat with the Dallas Mavericks, the 35-year-old has been openly admitting that he has already run out of time to win. Perhaps going to the Nuggets may finally offer the shot he is about to charge for his first championship.
Nuggets are the best trade chips and you can put Michael Porter Jr. on the table. However, the king will be forced to attach more pieces to match his salary with Delozan’s money.
Denver is clearly looking for better ways to improve its cast and supporting cast in the upcoming offseason. And because of limited flexibility, going to DeRozan is quite challenging.