NBA Rumors: Nuggets In Buy Mode, Zeroing In On Two Positions

 

The Denver Nuggets have had to deal with a slew of significant injuries this season, but still stand tied for 5th in the Western Conference. Knowing that they will be getting 2nd star Jamal Murray back at some point, they will be buyers at the trade deadline according to sources. Their targets: A wing and a true backup center.

The Denver Post reports that the Nuggets are "actively searching for ways to improve their roster" in the trade market. 

With Michael Porter Jr. and DJ Dozier out for the season, the team is still lacking a true wing player. Will Barton can, and has recently, played small forward, but is still more of a traditional shooting guard, says Mike Singer in The Post. 

Davon Reed has filled in admirably, and is on his third hardship 10-day contract, but the Nuggets are hoping for a higher-end option. 

Hope reigns supreme in the Jamal Murray camp, after he posted video of this windmill dunk on social media this week:

What’s up 2022 Jamal Murray.

This is from his Instagram, caption “256 days out” pic.twitter.com/wr6JaE6Mv0

— Katy Winge (@katywinge) January 2, 2022

He's expected to return sometime between the middle of February and the middle of March.  

In the frontcourt, the foot fracture suffered by forward Vlatko Cancar depletes the rotation even further, sending the Nuggets in search of a backup center as well. Although he's a 6'8" forward, Cancar was able to guard big men. What the Nuggets really want is a center who can "help combat opponents who play big," according to sources. 

The trade deadline is Feb. 10th, just over a month away. Expect the Nuggets to be active. 

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports