The Denver Nuggets remain a legitimate championship contender, even as they navigate major changes, including the departure of longtime head coach Mike Malone. But to sustain their position among the Western Conference elite, the front office must prioritize a roster retooling this offseason — one that restores the depth and reliability that powered their 2022-23 championship run.
Nikola Jokić continues to play at an MVP level, but there are signs the supporting cast is starting to crack under the pressure of sustained excellence. Jamal Murray’s inconsistency, combined with Michael Porter Jr.’s developmental plateau, has left the Nuggets more vulnerable than they appeared just a year ago. Meanwhile, a rising tide of young, hungry teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets is forcing established contenders to stay aggressive or risk being passed by.
With that urgency in mind, Denver could find a perfect opportunity by swinging a trade for two underappreciated veterans currently with the Washington Wizards: Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart.
Both Middleton and Smart bring the exact qualities the Nuggets now lack — battle-tested experience, defensive intensity, and the ability to step up in big moments. Middleton, a former All-Star and NBA champion, offers a polished offensive game that could ease the scoring burden on Jokic and Murray. Smart, a former Defensive Player of the Year, would inject a much-needed edge and versatility into a defense that has occasionally struggled against quicker Western Conference offenses.
Acquiring both players wouldn’t just patch the cracks — it would elevate Denver’s ceiling. The Nuggets would gain two proven postseason performers who understand the sacrifices needed to win at the highest level. Middleton’s calm shot creation and Smart’s leadership and grit could be the difference in tight playoff series where margins are razor-thin.
The Western Conference landscape is shifting quickly, and standing pat is not an option. If the Nuggets want to stay on top, a bold move like trading for Middleton and Smart could be the spark that reignites another championship run in the Jokic era.
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