5 NBA Contenders That MUST Make A Trade Before The Deadline

Denver currently sit comfortably among the top 3 seeds in the Western Conference (2nd at the time of this article being written). They have amassed a sound record and boast one of the deepest rotations in the league. With a good bill of health heading into the all star break, they have a Joker (Nikola Jokic) working his way out of his early season struggles. Team chemistry is at an all time high and the young core they have persevered with is gelling together nicely, and red-shirt-rookie Michael Porter Jr continues his steady upward curve in both performance and minute count.

A squad touted as a contender set to pounce on a league that has reached it’s greatest share of parity in decades, Denver seem set to take the next logical step into the upper echelon and become title challengers.

So, what’s the problem?

The first issue is their likely chances against the other Western Elite. Alongside the Lakers and Clippers the Nuggets are betting underdogs. A largely unproven group of players in a playoff setting, the Nuggets impressive depth chart are desperately lacking in credible experience getting over the final hurdle. This is a concern, especially since that’s before you even consider the likes of Houston and Utah.

Next is their current form; Denver has struggled against sub .500 teams and while it’s not reflected in the standings, the schedule has been kind. Fewer back-to-backs than most, their record may be inflated somewhat. Post all star break, whether they excel in the increasingly stuff schedule, or wane under the stress of tough games is yet to be seen.

The biggest issue however, is their cap and roster situation. As presently constructed Denver is on the fringe of a finals contender, but bookmakers and experts refrain from inserting them there. They are perched above the salary cap this season by just over $22m. Locked into their core players for next season they will have little wiggle room for roster additions in the summer, and that’s before even contemplating whether or not to bring back Monte Morris, Mason Plumlee or Paul Milsap, who are all still under their cap hold.

Gary Harris is also struggling, and with a log jam of comparable talent on the wings which may stunt the growth of Porter Jr, it’s time for Denver to make a move to win it all now, before they overcrowd the locker room and fall back to a mid-seed. (If you want to hinder the LA teams, a homecoming for Andre Iguadala makes a ton of sense.)