The Denver Nuggets have made a move that’s more about financial flexibility than on-court firepower - but it could still carry some ripple effects as the season unfolds. In a deal with the Brooklyn Nets, Denver is sending forward Hunter Tyson and a 2032 second-round pick out east. In return, the Nuggets will receive the less favorable of the Clippers’ and Hawks’ second-round picks in 2026.
Let’s break down what this means for both sides, starting with Denver.
Nuggets Make a Cap-Savvy Move
This trade was largely expected. Denver was hovering just about $400,000 over the luxury tax line - a tight squeeze for a team looking to avoid the financial penalties that come with even a marginal overage.
Tyson, on a minimum salary deal, was the most logical candidate to move in order to get under the threshold. And that’s exactly what the Nuggets did here.
By offloading Tyson’s $2.2 million salary, Denver not only ducks the tax but also creates a small trade exception worth the same amount. That’s not a game-changer, but it gives the front office some added flexibility heading into the stretch run.
The deal also opens up a second spot on the 15-man roster. The expectation is that two-way standout Spencer Jones will be promoted to a standard NBA deal, and that move appears to be in motion. Jones has impressed enough to earn that opportunity, and this trade clears the path for it.
Even after adding Jones, the Nuggets will still have one open roster spot - and all signs point to them being active in the buyout market. That could be key for a team looking to bolster its depth without breaking the bank.
Tyson Gets a Fresh Start in Brooklyn
As for Tyson, the 25-year-old forward heads to Brooklyn looking for a reset. Drafted 37th overall in 2023, he’s spent the last few seasons with Denver but never quite cracked the rotation under Michael Malone or lead assistant David Adelman. In 90 career regular season appearances, Tyson has averaged 2.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in just under seven minutes per game.
At 6'8", Tyson has the size and tools to be a developmental project for the Nets, who have a bit more room to experiment with younger players. Whether he sticks long-term remains to be seen, but the opportunity for minutes could be more plentiful in Brooklyn than it ever was in Denver.
What’s Next?
For Denver, this move is about staying nimble. Shedding salary, avoiding the tax, and keeping a roster spot open for potential buyout signings - all smart moves for a contender trying to stay competitive without compromising future flexibility.
Brooklyn, on the other hand, adds a second-round pick way down the line and takes a flyer on a young forward. It’s a low-risk move for a team that’s still figuring out its long-term direction.
This isn’t the kind of blockbuster that shakes up the league, but it’s the type of under-the-radar transaction that smart front offices make to stay ahead of the curve. The Nuggets trimmed the fat without losing anything critical, and the Nets added a piece that could have some upside. Both teams walk away with something they wanted.