Step 1: Russell Westbrook declines player option and signs elsewhere Reasoning: While I think Westbrook played about as well as he could play for the Nuggets this season, he was essentially a no-show against OKC, and based on new coach David Addlemen's comments on what he wants to see the team become next season (slower pace, more execution based), I just don't see Westbrook being a good long term fit. Plus, I think that current third-string point guard Jalen Pickett fits those needs far better, while also being a more reliable shooter at a cheaper price

Step 2: Acquire Buddy Hield in a 3-team deal with the Warriors and Bulls Reasoning: I really hope to be proven wrong about this, but I don't see Julian Strawther being a great long-term fit for what the Nuggets need. He is a great scorer, but he is not a consistent movement shooter, which is a role I think the Nuggets need off the bench. That's where Hield comes in, he is one of the best in the league at that and is a vet to boot, meaning that he'll be easier to trust in high-pressure playoff games to make the right play

Step 3: Acquire Andre Drummond and the 35th pick in the draft in a trade with the 76ers and Nets. Use the pick to draft Kobe Brea Reasoning: To help facilitate this Nets 76ers deal, the Nuggets take on Drummonds' contract with the incentive of the 35th pick in the draft. Drummond represents a clear upgrade over DJ in the big bruising center department (although I still want to see Darron Holmes get the bulk of the backup 5 minutes), and Brea might be the best pure shooter in the draft, so when the Nuggets are ready to move off of Hield, Brea can slide into that role seamlessly

Step 4: Sign Dennis Smith Jr, Justin Holiday, and Vlatko Cancar to minimum deals Reasoning: Dennis Smith Jr gives the Nuggets a pesky athletic defensive PG that can replicate a lot of what Russ brought to the team last season, while not being as much of a wild card. Justin Holiday and Vlatko Cancar are solid mistake mistake-free vets who are familiar with the nuggets and can serve as depth pieces

Full Depth chart: PG: Jamal Murray-Jalen Pickett-Dennis Smith Jr SG: Christian Braun-Buddy Hield-Koby Brea SF: MPJ-Peyton Watson-Justin Holiday PF: AG-Zeke Nnaji-Vlatko Cancar C: Nikola Jokic-Darron Holmes-Andre Drummond