Wilson Chandler trade rumors are picking up steam, and though the Denver Nuggets may need him for their playoff push, here are 5 teams that should pick up the phone if he’s available.
With a narrow one-game lead on the Portland Trail Blazers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, the Denver Nuggets are a young team that should be trying to improve with the arrival of the 2017 NBA Trade Deadline.
The Nuggets have a few veterans that could be used as trade chips to add more depth to their young core of Nikola Jokic, Gary Harris, Jamal Murray and Emmanuel Mudiay, but we’ve also heard Jusuf Nurkic‘s name come up in trade rumors despite him being only 22 years old.
Are the Nuggets going to try and cash in on the value of established players like Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried or Wilson Chandler? Will they add more current talent to bolster the roster for a playoff run? Or will they stand pat and hope this current group can hold on for the postseason?
USA TODAY Sports’ Sam Amick reported last week that Chandler wants out of Denver. Ill Will denied that report in an interview with Chris Dempsey of The Denver Post, but the nine-year veteran also confirmed that he’s frustrated with his current role in Denver — despite averaging a career-high 15.4 points and a career-high 6.7 rebounds in 30.4 minutes per game.
More from Denver Nuggets
- This overlooked skill proves that Nikola Jokic is underrated defensively
- Why the loss of impact players won’t damage Denver’s repeat title hopes
- Has Denver’s risky offseason hurt their repeat title hopes?
- The Nuggets’ sneaky great draft bolsters their championship roster
- Despite a short series, the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat saved the NBA
Though he’s 29 years old and has only one guaranteed year left on his contract after this season (plus a $12.8 million player option for 2018-19), Ill Will could be of great use on the wing for a playoff team, either as a starter or as a sixth man like he’s been for most of this season.
Chandler is a solid wing defender and a somewhat efficient source of offense. He’s been around the league long enough to help any playoff team, but which teams might be interested if the Nuggets actually make him available?
Here’s a look at a few potential Wilson Chandler trades, and why working out a deal for the veteran swingman may be harder than it seems, even if the Nuggets are interested in moving him.