The 30-team NBA mega-trade that solves nothing and makes everyone mad
By Ian Levy
Denver Nuggets
Sending out: Darrell Arthur (CHI), Wilson Chandler (LAC), Emmanuel Mudiay (DET)
Bringing in: Omer Asik (NOP), Brandon Ingram (LAL)
The Denver Nuggets would love to make a splashy move for a star wing player but if Paul George or Jimmy Butler can’t be had, going young offers the next best thing.
Shipping out Arthur and Chandler doesn’t mean much, neither fits into the long-term plans of the Nuggets. Giving up on Mudiay might be a little bit harder but his development has been slow and Denver has the assets to keep searching for a better long-term prospect at point guard. Bringing in Omer Asik and his albatross salary is terrible but is just part of the cost of acquiring Ingram.
Ingram was the No. 2 pick in last year’s draft and although he has struggled this year he is still defined by his immense potential. He is a long wing with the potential to be a solid two-way contributor — he could theoretically grow into a Paul George or Jimmy Butler type for the Nuggets. Denver is paying a lot in this deal but Ingram is far and away the best asset involved and he could be huge for their future.