Denver Nuggets: 3 players most likely to be traded in 2018-19

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 19: a general view of the 50 year logo during the game between the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns on January 19, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 19: a general view of the 50 year logo during the game between the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns on January 19, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Mason Plumlee

The final member of the list is currently the odd-man-out in the Nuggets’ revitalized frontcourt. Now featuring Paul Millsap, Nikola Jokic, Trey Lyles and Tyler Lydon, Plumlee is looking at yet another decrease in minutes.

Given a three-year deal last offseason prior to the Millsap signing, Plumlee was set to be the backup big for the Nuggets behind Jokic, providing a defensive boost. His two seasons thus far for the Nuggets have been mediocre though.

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Plumlee has registered near identical numbers in defensive rating as Jokic, while providing little on the offensive end outside of adept screening. Averaging 7.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game with the Nuggets, Plumlee has seen his minutes however around 20 a game for the team.

The former Duke Blue Devil is the most likely Nugget to be dealt, but is not the easiest acquisition for a fellow team to swallow. At a cap hit of $12.9 million this season and $14 million next season, Plumlee is an overpaid backup big.

A team like the Atlanta Hawks or Sacramento Kings could be looking to take on salary for future draft picks. Along with the picks, the Nuggets could include one of their young guards that are stuck on the bench to lessen the reliance on a high draft pick.

Plumlee would fit the Hawks’ current timeline perfectly, as their salaries drop the year that he would become a free agent.

The Nuggets would be wise to contact a team like the Hawks or Kings in search of ridding themselves of Plumlee’s deal. In their previous cap-shedding trades, the Nuggets were able to keep most of their draft capital, a boost to the trade chances for the big.

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Whether at the deadline or next offseason, Plumlee figures to be in several trade rumors.