Nuggets Reportedly Targeting Wizards’ Jonas Valančiūnas to Upgrade Frontcourt Depth
Amid an underwhelming season thus far, the Denver Nuggets are expected to be active in the trade market to upgrade their roster. Denver was expected to be a top team in the Western Conference this season, but they instead sit sixth in the standings with a 14-11 record. While the Nuggets have struggled this season, their superstar center, Nikola Jokić has been unbelievable.
The three-time MVP is having arguably the best season of his career and is currently the frontrunner for the MVP award. Michael Porter Jr. has also had a career-year, but outside those two players, the rest of Denver’s roster has struggled. One area that they must improve before the Feb. 6 trade deadline is their backup center position. DeAndre Jordan is currently filling that position, but the 36-year-old is well past his prime. The only other center on their roster is Zeke Nnaji, but he has seen his minutes decline drastically this season.
Because of their lack of frontcourt depth, Denver could look to make a move before the deadline. One center they have been linked to is Jonas Valančiūnas of the Washington Wizards. According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the Nuggets and Wizards have discussed a potential trade that would send Valančiūnas to Denver. Sidery also mentioned that Denver would need to include Nnaji and a draft pick for Washington to consider.
If the Nuggets were able to pull off this move, Valančiūnas would immediately become the team’s new backup center. The 32-year-old is averaging 11.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 55.7% from the field this season in Washington.
