3 teams that built for future at 2021 NBA Trade Deadline

2. Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets were big winners at the NBA trade deadline because they solidified their standing as a Western Conference contender this season. But as much as acquiring Aaron Gordon and JaVale McGee screams “win-now moves,” there’s no denying this franchise is also well-built for the long haul.

Yes, the Nuggets had to part with 26-year-old Gary Harris, 20-year-old rookie RJ Hampton and a future first-round pick, but in terms of actual rotation players, they technically got younger by swapping Harris for the 25-year-old Aaron Gordon.

McGee is obviously a lot older at age 33, but the Nuggets’ core for the future now includes Nikola Jokic (26), Jamal Murray (24), Gordon (25), Michael Porter Jr. (22), Monte Morris (25), Bol Bol (21) and Zeke Nnaji (20). Maybe we’re cheating a bit on Denver’s inclusion here, but this group is positioned to contend this year and for years to come.