This trade works on Spotrac, Fanspo just isn’t updated. Obviously these can be separate transactions but these are the players I would target. These moves open up 18 million in cap space to resign Watson which will be more than enough, especially after Jonas’ contract gets voided on top of that 18mil. Picketts contract also ends plus all the minimum contracts will be off the books, opening even more space. These trades add real depth while fixing the hassle that’ll be Watsons situation this summer.

At the end of the day, it’s time to move on from Murray and the nuggets need to get younger. They’re a slower, older, hobbled team now and always have issues keeping up with the hustle of younger teams. The nuggets need new blood who still have that fire in them and the desire to win. Murray seems to have lost it in Denver and who knows if Gordon will ever be healthy again. Jamal with a change of scenery would be best for both parties.

The Nuggets need a new PG with Jamal gone and I think Giddey would be a great replacement. An actual ball handing, facilitating point guard who isn’t going to make the dumb mistakes that Murray makes. Hes not going to take the dumb shots Murray takes. Hes going to be looking for Jokic on every single play instead of calling his own number like Murray does too often. Giddey also doesn’t get hunted on defense which is a huge issue for Jamal and that issue being removed would already make Denver a much better team.

Next, Jalen Smith is the perfect AG replacement. A young, tough PF who can shoot 3s, defend the rim, and fight alongside Jokic on the boards. Smith would be a 10/10 PF for Denver and the exact style they look for in that position. This trade is mostly about getting him and Giddey. And they should do whatever they can to get Jalen Smith in a trade this summer. Hes that perfect of a fit next to Jokic.

For Ty Jerome, this is mostly about getting rid of CB. The grizzlies are one of the very few teams who can take in a lot more cap than they’re sending out. They’d have to be very overcompensated here but you get the idea. Memphis will have too much money to work with this summer and with nobody wanting to go there in free agency, maybe they just take the picks and take a flyer on a young Braun who has shown potential. With the right development and more touches he could be a nice asset in a couple years when he hits his prime age.

Royce is just part of dealing Jamal and Phoenix matching salaries but can’t complain, he’d be a great wing fit on Denver. Champagnie is a guy Denver fans have wanted for 2 years now. Young, hustling player who can play defense, shoot, and is an elite rebounder for his size. He does it all for 2 million dollars a year.

Honorable mentions Denver should also be targeting are Josh Minott and Jamison Battle. Denver needs cheap, young, scrappy players who will play with effort. And they need to do whatever they have to do in order to stuff their roster with those types of players. David Roddy should also be back next season and he fits that prototype as well. All in all, it’s time to destroy the sluggish, careless culture this team seems to have built or they will never stand a chance against the younger, hungrier teams.

Potential starting 5 - A lot of size. Everyone can shoot. Nobody to pick on or leave wide open. Just a solid structure of a smart PG, two 3&D wings, and two bigs down low. Very well balanced.

1. Josh Giddey

2. Peyton Watson

3. Cam Johnson

4. Aaron Gordon

5. Nikola Jokic

Second unit - Everyone can shoot. Great rim protection. Elite rebounding. Very versatile unit with plenty of defense and a microwave scorer in Jerome as the 6th man. With 4 shooters around him to kick it out to.

1. Ty Jerome

2. Royce O’Neal

3. Justin Champagnie

4. Jalen Smith

5. Marvin Bagley

Extras - Julian Strawther, David Roddy, Spencer Jones (?), and Zeke Nnaji.

Instantly this roster would become tougher, more physical and a lot scrappier with a bunch of players who still have the desire to win. Which is the exact shake up this nuggets team needs.