Oct 16, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) and Portland Trail Blazers forward Mason Plumlee (24) jump for the ball during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Nuggets made a move before the deadline that may actually be a steal.
The Denver Nuggets have been involved in many trade talks over the past couple of weeks. They have now made a move that could be the difference between missing the playoffs and making it this season.
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The Nuggets traded Jusuf Nurkic and a 2017 first round pick (Memphis pick) to the Portland Trail Blazers for Mason Plumlee and a 2018 first round pick. Now, yes on the surface, it looks as if this trade really isn’t that much to get excited about, but when you think about it, this could benefit Denver greatly.
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Nurkic has not been very productive at all lately, so he finally gets a change of scenery and the Nuggets get a solid back up in Mason Plumlee who will fit in greatly with Nikola Jokic. Bear in mind that Plumlee is actually averaging decent numbers that reflect around 11 points and 8 rebounds per game.
Plumlee may also actually bring in some much needed rim protection as well as he is averaging 1.2 blocks per game this year. Not to mention, the draft picks could also be beneficial as the Trail Blazers are in a state of flux right now. This means that the pick could end up being a high one depending on what happens in the future.
On the other hand, the Blazers could also benefit from this trade as well. Nurkic has been frustrated with his role as of late, therefore, a different landscape could bring back the production that he was providing earlier in the season.
If so, then Portland will get a solid defensive post presence who will be re-energized with a new squad.
All in all, Denver fans should be excited Connelly pulled this trade off.
