How Does The Denver Nuggets Roster Look After Trading For Aaron Gordon and JaVale McGee?

The NBA trade deadline is here, and players are on the move. One of the biggest winners so far is the Denver Nuggets, who have pulled off a couple of trades already. Let’s dive into their moves.

They started the day with a move to bring in a reputed veteran in JaVale McGee. They didn’t give up much either, with Isaiah Hartenstein going the other way along with two second-round picks. He returns to Denver after playing three seasons with them in the early 2010s.

The second trade was the big one. With the Magic announcing they are a selling team, the Nuggets cashed in at the right time. They sent Gary Harris, RJ Hampton, and a first-round pick to acquire Aaron Gordon. The two-time dunk contest champion finally asked for a trade away from the Magic and the team obliged. Harris has been far from the player he once promised to be, and Hampton still has a long way to go.

How do these additions help the Denver Nuggets?

McGee is a solid backup option for Nikola Jokic, and he can be a great rim protector off the bench for the Nuggets. Despite not being a big contributor on offense, the two-time NBA champion is always a lob threat.

Gordon is a great two-way option for the Nuggets. He is currently shooting 37% from three this season, which is his career-best. He also ranks 13th in the league in field goal percentage allowed as the closest defender (last three seasons). Gordon will finally get his chance to start on a contending team with the Nuggets.

So both of these additions are excellent for the team, and fans will be excited to see them in action.

How will the Nuggets lineup now?

Jamal Murray will continue to start at point guard. He is quietly having a career year, not just in points but also with shooting percentages. He has also stepped up defensively this season. Will Barton will start at shooting guard now with the departure of Gary Harris. Some fans might want to see Monte Morris instead but that is unlikely.

Michael Porter Jr will start as their small forward along with new addition Gordon who slots in at the power forward position. Having Paul Millsap off the bench is a luxury that only other teams can dream of so that is a big move. Finally, they have the MVO candidate Jokic at center, which makes them complete.

This is a superb team that has the potential to upset the Western Conference favorites and potentially advance to the NBA Finals.