Denver Nuggets: Pros and cons of pursuing Victor Oladipo trade
By Dalton Sell
The Denver Nuggets have started the season just 9-7, currently trying to find their identity as they sit at fifth place in the Western Conference standings. Although they have started to find some rhythm as of late, they have struggled mightily 16 games into the season.
Falling three games short of a trip to the NBA Finals last year, Denver seemed to be a feasible pick to make it out of the Western Conference this year, but they have looked out of sorts in the early going. Part of this comes from the absences of Jerami Grant and Torrey Craig, two former rotational players on last year’s team that departed in free agency.
Despite the slow start, things have not been all bad for Denver. Nikola Jokic is currently playing at an MVP level and second-fiddle Jamal Murray is simultaneously putting up career numbers on the offensive end to propel this team forward. While it is surely a long season and the Nuggets have time to get things situated, there are several avenues they could explore to get back on the right track sooner rather than later.
If the Denver Nuggets are looking for an immediate spark to turn things around, pursuing a trade for Victor Oladipo could be on the table.
There were rumblings that Victor Oladipo was unhappy with the Indiana Pacers dating back to last season and that he could potentially find his way out at some point. The Pacers obliged when they shipped the guard to the Houston Rockets as part of the four-team James Harden trade that recently shifted the landscape of the NBA. However, Oladipo might not want to settle down in Houston just yet, as he could be on the move once more.
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor reported shortly after the initial deal went down that the Rockets could be open to flipping Oladipo for more draft capital or assets if the opportunity presents itself. If so, the Denver Nuggets should be one team showing interest in the 28-year-old, but there are also some good reasons for them to be cautious in any discussions revolving around him. Considering both perspectives, here are the pros, cons and overall verdict on whether the Denver Nuggets should target a trade for Victor Oladipo.