NBA Draft Rumors: Denver Nuggets not expected to trade No. 11 pick
The Denver Nuggets are clearly looking to improve after missing the postseason for the first time since 2003 in 2014.
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They hold the 11th-overall pick in this week’s draft, but have been shopping the selection. They have discussed the possibility of dealing the pick, power forward Kenneth Faried and swingman Wilson to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Kevin Love, but most believe Love won’t want to re-sign in Denver following the 2014-2015 season.
Although they almost certainly won’t wind up with Love, Matt Moore of CBS Sports does not expect the Nuggets to make the 11th-overall selection.
"Trade up: I’m not saying it’s not possible, but if it is, it’s one heck of a smokescreen from Denver. They like the talent in this draft, but they don’t LOVE it, and they don’t think there’s a deal that “makes sense” for them to move up in it. That complicates matters. The likely option?Trade for a veteran: The Nuggets have been talking about adding a “veteran leader” for months. That could be someone like Kevin Love if they get lucky with what other teams offer Minnesota. Or it could be someone who’s played in the league and had success but is on a contract that someone wants to move. The Nuggets have a lot of good players they can trade, and the No.11. I honestly don’t expect them to pick at No. 11 and if I had a gun to my head, I’d say they trade out of it completely."
Even after losing swingman Andre Iguodala to the Golden State Warriors, the Nuggets aren’t as far away as they looked last year – the team was decimated by injuries last season.