The NBA championship. It’s the ultimate prize in basketball. Every team in the league wants to win the title. When they finally accomplish that goal, it’s always a cause for celebration.
Last year, the Denver Nuggets walked away with the ultimate prize. It was a dominant title run. Now, the Nuggets are tasked with defending their NBA championship.
The Utah Jazz will not stand in their way. This team is not in the title picture in 2023-24. With that said, the Jazz have looked like a playoff team in recent weeks. Could they send Kelly Olynyk to the Nuggets anyway?
The Trade Proposal
Utah Jazz receive: G Reggie Jackson, F/C Zeke Nnaji, C DeAndre Jordan, 2030 First-Round Pick (Swap – DEN)
Denver Nuggets receive: F/C Kelly Olynyk
Winning a championship is difficult. Some teams never do it. You could have been supporting them since their inception, and you’d have never experienced watching them win the big prize.
Look at the Jazz. This team has typically been competitive for as long as it has existed. The Jazz have fielded plenty of talented teams. They’ve been to the NBA Finals. At the same time, they’ve never gotten over the hump.
Until last year, neither had the Nuggets. That’s what made last year’s title run so monumental – it was the first in franchise history. The Nuggets will hope to take home their second NBA championship in 2023-24. Does adding Olynyk to the roster help?
Why The Denver Nuggets Do The Deal
The Nuggets could use a backup big man. At the same time, if they’re going to trade for one, he ought to be able to play alongside Nikola Jokic. In other words, Denver should be in the market for a combo big who can play the 5 or the 4.
Olynyk fits that description. He’s also a reliable floor spacer. He can play alongside Jokic, and behind him. This is exactly the type of rotation piece that the Jazz are currently missing.
Sure, they’ll miss Jackson if they make this deal. The Nuggets will have to find a new backup point guard through the buyout market. That feels like a problem worth solving if they’re bringing in Olynyk. Should the Jazz send him to Denver?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
The Jazz have improved their play recently. They should still consider selling at the deadline. This team is well outside of the title picture. Why are the Jazz clinging to quality veterans?
Meanwhile, moving Olynyk helps clear more playing time for Taylor Hendricks. The Jazz should be eager to prioritize young players. Hendricks has flashed potential as a 3-and-D, and Utah ought to see what they’ve got in their recent lottery pick.
With that said, Nnaji is an intriguing young small ball big who can be part of this core. Throw in a distant pick swap, and this is a good deal for Utah. It could help them get in the race for the NBA title – eventually.
