Dec 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) dribbles past Philadelphia 76ers guard Nik Stauskas (11) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Nuggets may need to make a big splash at some point this year, but one likely trade partner that is being overlooked is the Orlando Magic.
It’s been a frustrating start to the 2016-2017 season for the nuggets. At times, they seem so close to being able to compete with the best teams in the NBA, and at other times look like a mediocre non-playoff team.
Sitting at 9-15 in a tough western conference, the nuggets are by no means out of the playoffs, but it would be very difficult to get in.
Even if they snuck in, it would lead to an inevitable first round exit against one of the juggernauts in the west.
With a roster brimming with young talent, there simply isn’t enough minutes to go around. We all want to see Jamal Murray sustain a large role on the team when Gary Harris returns from injury.
Want your voice heard? Join the Nugg Love team!
The only way that all of the young promising talent can get minutes is if a trade is made. Sitting at 10-15, with GM Rob Hennigan on the hot seat after the big Ibaka/Oladipo trade this summer, I see no better trade partner than the Orlando Magic.
Rob Hennigan got rid of youth by trading away Oladipo and brought in veterans Ibaka and Jeff Green to make the playoffs and win now. Orlando is 29th in the NBA in scoring and are 22nd in 3-point percentage.
The Nuggets are falling out of playoffs and should continue to stack their youth and increase their chances of finding a star player from within.
Here’s what the trade would look like:
Magic get SF, Danilo Gallinari; PG, Jameer NelsonNext: Why The Nuggets Would Do It
Feb 13, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon competes during the dunk contest during the NBA All Star Saturday Night at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Gordon may be the key to jump-starting the Nuggets.
It’s not looking like the Nuggets are going to push for a playoff spot this year, and they have a lot of great trade pieces.
More from Nugg Love
Acquiring Aaron Gordon would give the Nuggets a long term solution at the forward position, with a lot of upside.
This trade would also leave the option to trade Wilson Chandler later in the year very open. D.J. Augustin is already familiar with coach Malone’s system and would fill a reserve role on the team.
This would open up minutes for Murray at the PG position which would be exciting to see. C.J. Watson’s contract would be added to make this trade doable for the Magic’s salary cap.
The Nuggets would likely release him after the trade.
Mar 12, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson (14) drives to the basket as Denver Nuggets guard Aaron Brooks (0) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Denver Nuggets defeated the Orlando Magic 120-112. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Magic would be hesitant, but they may just pull the trigger considering their circumstances, especially since Nelson was a fan favorite in Orlando.
Trading away a key piece of the future in Gordon would be tough, but Orlando is in the mix for a playoff spot and are a couple pieces away from being really good.
Gallinari would step in and immediately be the teams go to scoring option, and at 28 years old, Gallinari is not just a rental player. Gallo is a way better shooter than Gordon at this point in his career and would help out floor spacing a lot.
Jameer Nelson would be a big upgrade at the PG position over current starter Augustin and would be a veteran presence to help Elfrid Payton develop.
The addition of these two players would make Orlando a sure bet playoff team and make them a threat in the Eastern conference.
This trade would have to take place after December 15, when D.J. Augustin, who signed a new contract in the off-season becomes eligible for trade.
This article originally appeared on 
