In an effort to improve their offense, the Denver Nuggets “have either expressed interest in, or have had preliminary trade discussions on” several scorers, according to Sam Amick and Tony Jones of The Athletic. Their focus is currently centered on Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, a two-time All-Star. However, Atlanta Hawks breakout performer De’Andre Hunter is also on their shortlist.
Hawks Breakout Player De’Andre Hunter Among Nuggets’ Trade Targets
As Hunter makes $21.6 million this season, Denver can either trade a high-salary player for him or gut their depth. Considering Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth’s stance on the latter, it’s more realistic to expect a deal with less of a potential ripple effect. That makes Michael Porter Jr., another forward whose offensive impact is essentially confined to his scoring ability, the most likely player to be dealt in this scenario.
In making this trade, Atlanta would be sacrificing a high-end defensive player. However, Porter is an aggressive scorer, whereas Hunter wasn’t a consistent shot-hunter until the back half of 2023-24. In terms of intangibles, his longstanding friendship with Hawks face of the franchise Trae Young is another factor to consider.
That being said, Porter makes $35.8 million this season. As a result, the Hawks would have to include more salary to make the trade work.
Bogdan Bogdanovic Too?
If the Nuggets are indeed interested in Hunter, he may not be the only scorer taking his talents to the Mile High. Atlanta could go multiple directions in their efforts to make salaries match, including using Larry Nance Jr.’s expiring $11.2 million contract. However, they have one player whose price tag, play style, and personal life are of much interest to them: Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Bogdanovic played alongside Jokic on the Serbian national team in this summer’s Paris Olympics. Among the most consistent three-point shooters in the league, he could start alongside his countryman or help carry the bench. Making $17.2 million this season, his salary is just high enough to get them past Porter’s threshold. There could still be other moving parts in the trade though.
DaRon Holmes II.. Atlanta?
The Hawks could send Cody Zeller and David Roddy to Denver as well. Zeller has yet to join Atlanta after being traded by the New Orleans Pelicans in the offseason and may desire a change of scenery. Roddy, who starred at Colorado State, has played relatively well but isn’t expected to be with the Hawks long-term.
Moving those players wouldn’t add much value. Nonetheless, it could entice the Nuggets include promising 2024 first-round pick DaRon Holmes II in the deal. Holmes is out for the season with a torn Achilles but looked as good as advertised prior to his injury.
Clint Capela is on the final year of his contract, which is among the reasons he’s on the trade block. Whenever his time in Atlanta is up, Onyeka Okongwu has the fast track on his starting spot. However, Holmes could then replace Okongwu as the second unit anchor.
The Chess Move
Frankly, the Hawks would be getting the short end of the stick in this transaction, which is why they must extract a first-round pick from Denver. Due to the Stepien Rule, the Nuggets can’t simply add one to the deal. However, Atlanta could swap their 2025, 2027, and 2029 first round picks for Denver’s 2026, 2028, and 2030 first-rounders.
If the Hawks trade the protected 2025 first-round pick they received from the Sacramento Kings, which is unlikely to convey at this rate, it’ll be the equivalent of adding a first round pick.
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