As the Denver Nuggets aim to strengthen their roster around stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray following their unsuccessful title defense, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey has suggested a trade that could significantly impact next season.
Denver Nuggets Receive: Vasilije Micic
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Zeke Nnaji
Acquiring Micic would provide the Nuggets with a seasoned backup for Murray, particularly if Reggie Jackson opts out of his $5.2 million player option to pursue a more lucrative contract elsewhere.
Micic’s potential addition could address the Nuggets’ primary weakness: bench scoring, which was notably exposed during the playoffs when Jokic was resting.
“Beyond adding one of Nikola Jokic’s countrymen, this deal would give Denver something that it has desperately needed throughout the Jokic era: a steady creator when the big man is off the floor,” Bailey wrote.
According to Basketball Reference, the Nuggets were outscored by 20.1 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs when Jokic was off the floor.
In his debut NBA season, the 30-year-old Micic averaged 7.0 points and 4.4 assists while playing for both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Charlotte Hornets, following a decade-long career in Europe.
After LaMelo Ball suffered an ankle injury, Micic started 21 games for the Hornets, averaging 11.8 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.4 rebounds.
Bailey notes that the 23-year-old Nnaji “could still develop into an interesting pick-and-pop partner with LaMelo Ball,” an opportunity he wouldn’t have in Denver due to limited playing time.