Jan 23, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) and guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) celebrate during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 104-101. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Seeing the Denver Nuggets make a splash with a trade would excite many fans, but how realistic should the fans be with their expectations?
Every Denver fan wants to see a blockbuster trade for a superstar like Paul George or DeMarcus Cousins.
However, making a trade of that magnitude simply isn’t realistic.
That is why Denver should be looking for young, mid-tier players with all-star potential. Denver is stacked with many of these assets already, but the right one may thrive in Denver.
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These players are not easy to come by either, but there is one player in particular than I can see the Nuggets targeting. That player is Otto Porter.
Dec 5, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard sean Kilpatrick (6) dribbles the ball while being defended by Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) during the second half at Barclays Center. The Wizards won 118-113. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Otto Porter’s value
At just 23 years old, Otto is already one of the best defensive players at his position. He ranks 8th in small forward rankings of defensive real plus minus this year (ESPN.com), ahead of players like Jimmy Butler, LeBron James, and Jae Crowder.
On the offensive side he ranks very well too. Despite his 13.7 points per game average, Otto boasts the 9th best offensive real plus minus rating among small forward’s in the NBA (ESPN.com), ahead of stars Paul George and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Otto Porter is the third scoring option on his current team with John Wall and Beal.
His usage rate is not high, sitting at 15.2 on the year (stats.nba.com). If he was traded to the Nuggets, he would be given the chance to become the number one option.
He would grow as a player and could become a star.
Apr 24, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) reacts on the court against the Toronto Raptors in the second quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Why would Washington trade such a valuable player?
Otto is set to become a restricted free agent after this season and is expected to earn a max contract.
Washington simply does not have the cap space to resign him. On top of that, they have another young SF that they like a lot in Kelly Oubre who needs minutes.
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Washington has two stars on their team with Wall and Beal. They need to build a team around them that can compete for a championship while they are in their prime.
The core of Wall, Beal and Otto doesn’t seem to be working for the Wizards, as they are 9-14. Washington GM Ernie Grunfeld is in the final year of his contract and will be looking to shake the roster up in an effort to save his job.
The Nuggets have assets that would help propel the Wizards into playoff contention, and have plenty of cap space to sign Otto Porter to a max contract this summer.
What the trade would look like
Wilson Chandler & Will Barton
For
Otto Porter & Andrew Nicholson
Dec 10, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton (5) drives past Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Nuggets won 121-113. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Why the Nuggets would do it
This is a dream scenario for the Nuggets.
The Wizards are in a tight spot and Denver looks to take advantage by sending veterans Wilson Chandler and Will Barton away for a prized young player.
Trading away Chandler makes sense for a team that isn’t ready to make playoffs, and trading away Barton is easy considering the log jam at shooting guard.
Bear in mind that Chandler’s trade value is very high right now with how well he has been playing as of late.
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Otto Porter would immediately improve the Nuggets lack luster defense, and give the franchise a potential star player.
Dec 8, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) defends during the second half at Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards won 92-85. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Why the Wizards would do it
With nearly $100,000,000 in guaranteed salary next season, the Washington Wizards don’t have the flexibility to sign Otto Porter to a max contract.
The team had playoff expectations coming into the year and general manager Ernie Grunfeld intends to make that a reality.
Wilson Chandler would be a sufficient replacement for Otto, maybe even a slight short term upgrade. Will Barton would provide depth behind Beal and a jolt of energy off the bench.
The addition of Chandler and Barton would increase Washington’s chances of making the postseason.
Most importantly, this trade would eliminate the risk of losing Otto Porter for nothing.
