Nuggets could get first-round pick from Lance Stephenson trade
With the Grizzlies trading away a rotational piece for Lance Stephenson, the Nuggets could get a draft pick because of it.
After the NBA Trade Deadline passed on Thursday, there was one deal that was reported after the deadline that got done just in time. The Memphis Grizzlies acquired a first-round pick and Lance Stephenson from the Los Angeles Clippers for Jeff Green.
While the deal didn’t involve the Denver Nuggets, it could end up having a big impact on their draft strategy for the offseason. If the Grizzlies fail to make the playoffs, then their first-round pick would go to the Nuggets should it fall between the No. 6 and No. 14 pick, as Bobby Marks has pointed out.
Team that benefits from the Lance Stephenson trade, Denver. Pick goes to Denver if 6-14.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 18, 2016
With the Grizzlies being without Marc Gasol an extended amount of time, trading away Green and Courtney Lee, there’s a great chance that they could drop out of the playoff race with how tough their remaining schedule is.
That means that the chances of the Nuggets getting their draft pick increases even more. The Nuggets have a good job of building a young, talented roster and will have another high pick this year to add to their core. If they can get the Grizzlies’ pick too, then their process will be expedited even faster.