Fansided

NBA Trade Deadline 2019: One trade every team should make

By Daniel Lewis

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 17: Center Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Center JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game at the Amway Center on November 17, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Lakers 130 to 117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 17: Center Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Center JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the game at the Amway Center on November 17, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Lakers 130 to 117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – JANUARY 16: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies is introduced before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 16, 2019 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – JANUARY 16: Mike Conley #11 of the Memphis Grizzlies is introduced before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 16, 2019 at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

This is a blockbuster trade for the Nuggets, Grizzlies and Knicks. For Denver, they swap out a veteran point guard in exchange for their veteran power forward. For Memphis, they successfully deal Conley to a contender, doing a solid for a player that gave so much to the franchise while getting young talent in Hernangomez and Ntilikina. For the Knicks, they are able to leverage Vonleh and Ntilikina into a coveted 2021 first-round pick.

Why would the Nuggets do this? It’s never been about defense for this team, only doing just enough on that end to keep the game close while they’re busy scoring on offense. This move stacks their guard rotation, forcing them to play small by pushing Harris and Barton to the small forward position. They’d be taking a risk, and gambling that one of Michael Porter Jr. or Jarred Vanderbilt, their draft picks this season, can eventually fill the power forward position. Vonleh and Green are replacement level players, and are playing better than most people would probably expect. The Nuggets could also look to move one of Harris or Barton to try to find an upgrade at power forward or small forward.

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