Nuggets trade plans to get Nikola Jokic more help

The Denver Nuggets have been one of the best teams in the NBA so far this season. They are currently tied for first place in the Western Conference along with the New Orleans Pelicans, with a 22-12 record. To ensure they stay there, the team has some plans to further upgrade the roster.

They have accomplished the hardest part as they have a bona fide start to build around in the center of Nikola Jokic. Jokic has won the MVP award in two consecutive seasons and continues to produce at a high level once again.

He will again be in the MVP, averaging 25.7 points, 10.8 rebounds, 9.4 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. He shoots an efficient 61.9 percent from the field as teams can no longer load to simply slow him down with double and triple teams while improving the supporting cast around him.

With Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. back in the lineup alongside Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, teams have a lot more to watch than Jokic. While he’s still the center of their attack, the other players are more than able to take advantage when the defense falls short against them.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Jokic & Denver Nuggets Updates

While the offense has been rolling this season, they leave a lot to be desired defensively as the Nuggets have the third best offensive scoring in the NBA. Denver is currently 25th in defensive rating and that’s something they want to turn around for the rest of the season.

While some progress could be in store for the players on the roster, Denver is willing to look outside the organization for help. According to Sam Amick of The Athletichave they set their sights on strengthening the bank before the trade deadline.

“As the February 9 trade deadline approaches, league sources say the Nuggets will be looking for wing help to get off their bench. They want to get taller, more athletic, more versatile, more defensive and taller in that department. The Gordon trade with Orlando in March 2021 continues to pay big dividends, and adding another player with that kind of skill would be the dream scenario here.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Jokic & Denver Nuggets Updates

Free agent Bruce Brown was a nice addition in that regard, along with throwing Monte Morris and Will Barton to the Washington Wizards in the off-season for Caldwell-Pope. The Nuggets have a versatile roster of players, but most of their strengths are offensively skewed.

If they can add another defensive player, as Amick suggested, Denver would be in business. Michael Malone is said to have one of the deepest rotations in the NBA, allowing him to mix and match his lineup and fight any opponents plan.