Denver Nuggets rumors: Arron Afflalo could be traded?

January 9, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Orlando Magic guard Arron Afflalo (4) drives to the basket during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
January 9, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Orlando Magic guard Arron Afflalo (4) drives to the basket during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

For months the Orlando Magic refused to trade Arron Afflalo, suggesting the offers they were presented weren’t rich enough. Then out of the blue, the Denver Nuggets were able to acquire the veteran swingman for a relatively reduced price.

More from Denver Nuggets

Were the Orlando Magic overvaluing Afflalo? Possibly, though not in terms of his on-floor contributions. The problem with Afflalo is his pending contract, which could see him hit free agency after the 2014-15 season. That’s something the Denver Nuggets are aware of and it’s part of the reason they could place Arron Afflalo on the trade block this year.

"It is possible that Denver explores Afflalo’s trade value given that he is likely going to command a deal at the top end of his range ($10-$12 million per season). That may be too rich for Denver’s liking.In terms of potentially available players, Afflalo looks to be one of them."

It would certainly be a bit strange to see the Denver Nuggets move on from Afflalo so quickly, but they understandably don’t want to lose him for nothing, especially if they know they aren’t going to pony up the cash to keep him.

In addition to Afflalo, the Nuggets are also dealing with the pending contract of power forward Kenneth Faried, so they’ll have plenty of financial decisions to make in the coming months. Neither will be easy, either, considering both players have shown flashes of All-Star talent though at times struggle to constantly play at such a high level.

Some tough decisions ahead for sure.