By Jordan Long
The NBA trade deadline is tomorrow at 1 P.M. Mountain Time. The Denver Nuggets who stand at 26-17, 5th in the Western Conference, may make a deal to improve their playoff seeding. If the Nuggets were to make a trade, they need a player who can make outside shots. That is what they are missing. They have talked to Orlando for Evan Fournier and to Sacramento for Harrison Barnes who are both shooters.
Fournier is familiar with the Denver Nuggets. He started his career in the Mile High City from 2012 to 2014. He helped the Nuggets reach the playoffs in 2013. Fournier was traded to the Magic on June 27, 2014.
The Nuggets are interested in him because of his ability to score points. He is averaging 19.6 points per game. He can make a basket from anywhere on the court. Fournier shoots 38.5% from beyond the arc. Denver could use another 3 point shooter.
Fournier is in the last year of his current deal. It would be a rental for the Denver Nuggets. He would not be the starting shooting guard, but would provide energy off the bench. Fournier hasn’t been a bench player since the 2014-2015 season. It would be a different role for him but it may help Denver when it comes to the postseason. Fournier might be the spark Denver needs.
Barnes is a small forward for the Kings. He is more expensive than Fournier. Barnes has two years left on his current contract, paying him around $20 million next year and $18.352 million in 2022 before he hits free agency in 2023.
Barnes plays the small forward position and is the starter for the Kings. He averages 16.3 points and 3.7 assists per game. Barnes can’t shoot the 3 like Fournier but he is still decent from the 3, hitting 36.9% of them.
Barnes could make sense if the Nuggets seek a player with a longer deal. They could decide Barnes is the missing piece for this year as well as making a deeper run next year. He might be the best player out there.
In any trade talks, the Nuggets would like to include Gary Harris or Will Barton who both have 1 year left on their current deals. Harris will be paid around $20.482 million in 2022. Harris appeared in 19 games this season. He is dealing with an adductor injury. Barton also has one season left on his agreement which will pay him $14.669 million next season.
Denver may decide not to deal any players away to improve their team. They could stand pat and let the trade deadline pass. They should make the postseason for the 3rd year in a row. General Manager Calvin Booth and President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly will do what is best for the franchise moving forward to help them be an NBA Championship contending team for not only this year, but for seasons to come.
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