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NBA Trade Rumors: 3 blockbuster trades that should happen, but won’t

By Ben Stern

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 22: Tobias Harris #34 of the Detroit Pistons reacts to a second half three point basket while playing the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena on December 22, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 104-101. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 22: Tobias Harris #34 of the Detroit Pistons reacts to a second half three point basket while playing the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena on December 22, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit won the game 104-101. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 01: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play against the Milwaukee Bucks during their game at Spectrum Center on November 1, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – NOVEMBER 01: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after a play against the Milwaukee Bucks during their game at Spectrum Center on November 1, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Nuggets find their point guard

Nuggets receive: PG Kemba Walker

Hornets receive: PF Darrell Arthur, G Jamal Murray, 2018 Nuggets’ first round draft pick (Lottery protected)

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Why the trade should happen:

The Nuggets have been one of the NBA’s biggest disappointments this season. If the playoffs started today, the Nuggets would be the 8th seed, poised for an early exit. While this lack of production can be partially attributed to an injury to their newly signed star Paul Millsap, their abysmal point guard play has plagued Denver all season.

While sophomore guard Jamal Murray has shown flashes throughout his young career, he projects as more of an off guard than a lead ball handler, as he bodes a mere 2.7 assists per game,  dead last among NBA starting point guards. In order for the Nuggets to maximize their potentially elite lineup, they need an elite playmaker at the point guard position.

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That’s where Walker comes in. The 7 year point guard is having another All Star caliber season, but it hasn’t translated to team success. The Hornets’ playoff hopes are quickly fading, as reports have surfaced that Walker has been made available for trade. Among the many teams who would love to acquire a player of Kemba Walker’s caliber, only very few have the available assets to do so.

The Nuggets are one of those teams. While a Kemba Walker trade wouldn’t put the Denver over the top, it would certainly be a step in the right direction.

Why the trade won’t happen:

It has been well reported that the Hornets are looking to unload a big contract in any potential Walker trade.

One of:

  • Marvin Williams-3 years, $13,168,750
  • Nicolas Batum-4 years, $22,434,783
  • Michael Kidd-Gilchrist-3 years, $13,000,000
  • Dwight Howard- 2 years, $23,500,000.

The Nuggets don’t have the cap space, nor the expiring contracts to take on a large contract. Even if the Hornets were willing to look past that flaw, who says the Nuggets bite. A report surfaced this summer that the Nuggets were not willing to package Murray and Garry Harris together in any potential Kyrie Irving trade.

This demonstrates how highly the organization views their young guard. He is seen as a crucial piece to their long term future, and his price tag will reflect that. If the Nuggets were unwilling to package Murray for the younger and superior Kyrie Irving, who’s to think they would for Walker.

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