The Denver Nuggets are fresh off the best start in franchise history, but even with the early-season success, cracks are beginning to show-particularly in their depth. Injuries to Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun have thinned out the rotation, leaving Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray shouldering a heavy load once again. It’s starting to feel a little too familiar for a team that won it all in 2023 but hasn’t been able to return to the mountaintop since.
To their credit, Denver made some smart offseason moves to address their depth issues. Trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson gave them a more versatile wing, and the additions of Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Jonas Valanciunas helped round out the roster. But as the injuries pile up, the Nuggets are once again staring down the reality that they might not have enough to survive the grind of an 82-game season-and another deep playoff run-without reinforcements.
That’s where a potential trade with the Los Angeles Clippers could come into play. The deal? Denver would receive Chris Paul and Kris Dunn in exchange for Zeke Nnaji and a 2032 second-round pick.
Let’s unpack this.
Why it makes sense for Denver
First, the Nuggets don’t have many trade chips left. Their draft capital is limited, and they’re not about to move any of their core players.
So if they’re going to make a deal, it has to be a low-cost, high-upside move. This one fits the bill.
Chris Paul may not be the same player he was during his prime, but he’s still one of the smartest floor generals in the game. And right now, the Nuggets could use exactly that.
With Jamal Murray healthy, Denver has one of the league’s most dynamic scoring guards. But behind him?
It’s thin. Jalen Pickett is still developing, and Bruce Brown-while valuable-isn’t a natural point guard.
Adding Paul gives the Nuggets a stabilizing presence off the bench, someone who can orchestrate the offense, keep the tempo steady, and take pressure off Jokic and Murray.
And speaking of Jokic-pairing him with Paul would be a basketball IQ dream. These are two of the most cerebral players in the league.
Jokic already sees the game two steps ahead; Paul sees it three. Together, they could dissect defenses with surgical precision, especially in playoff moments when every possession matters.
Then there’s Kris Dunn. He’s not a flashy name, but he brings exactly what Denver needs: perimeter defense and toughness.
Dunn has quietly carved out a role as a reliable 3-and-D guard, and he’s become a playable piece because he’s added a respectable outside shot to his already strong defensive game. For a team that’s been stretched thin in the backcourt, Dunn would be a valuable rotation piece.
What’s in it for the Clippers?
From L.A.’s perspective, this is about cutting ties and starting the rebuild. The Clippers are 6-20, sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference, and this season has been nothing short of a mess. With one of the oldest rosters in the league and no clear direction, it’s time for a reset.
Chris Paul has already been sent home after clashing with head coach Ty Lue and the organization. He’s retiring at the end of the season, and the Clippers aren’t going to get a king’s ransom for a 38-year-old on an expiring deal. But getting something-even a late second-round pick and a young player like Zeke Nnaji-is better than nothing.
Nnaji hasn’t made a major impact in Denver, and his contract isn’t ideal, but he’s still just 24. There’s a world where a change of scenery and more playing time could help him tap into the potential that made him a first-round pick. For a Clippers team that needs to start thinking long-term, it’s a low-risk flyer.
And that 2032 second-round pick? It might not seem like much now, but if Jokic is retired or no longer in his prime by then, that pick could carry more value than expected. It’s not a game-changer, but it’s an asset.
Could it actually happen?
There’s some history between these two teams-Denver knocked out L.A. in a seven-game series last postseason, and there’s been no shortage of tension over the years. So yeah, a trade between them might raise a few eyebrows. But when you strip away the rivalry, this is a deal that makes sense for both sides.
The Nuggets get immediate help without sacrificing their future. The Clippers begin the teardown they desperately need. And Chris Paul gets one last shot at a ring with a team that has the pieces to make it happen.
If Denver wants to maximize its championship window while Jokic is still in his prime, this is the kind of move that could quietly make all the difference come playoff time.