After being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season last year, the Denver Nuggets elected to make some changes to their roster this offseason around their core of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.
Denver began their offseason by trading Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets for Cameron Johnson, which allowed them to free up cap space to may more notable additions.
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Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27).Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Nuggets then signed Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown in free agency and acquired Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings to upgrade their depth.
By making these moves, many around the NBA expect the Nuggets to be a major title threat this season with Jokic leading the way.
Despite this, Denver could also look to make more moves ahead of the trade deadline and if thy do so, they could target these three players.
Royce O’Neale
Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00)Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Royce O’Neale has been in trade rumors this offseason with the Phoenix Suns overhauling their roster and if he ends up being moved, the Nuggets could show interest.
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The veteran forward is a great 3-and-D wing who would give the Nuggets another solid scorer and defender off the bench to upgrade their second unit.
O’Neale could be a solid addition to Denver’s bench to help them try and make a run at a championship this season, though there should be multiple teams that show interest in him.
T.J. McConnell
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9).© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
After electing to not re-sign Russell Westbrook, the Nuggets are in need of a backup point guard and they could target T.J. McConnell if the Indiana Pacers are open to moving him.
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The veteran guard is a solid scorer but he is better known for his playmaking and defense, something the Nuggets could use in their second unit.
Of course, McConnell played a key role for the Pacers during their run to the NBA Finals last season so they may not be willing to move him but if they are, he could be a solid addition to Denver’s roster.
Devin Carter
Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (22)© Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Another point guard the Nuggets could target is Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings who showed flashes of being a key player during his rookie campaign.
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Of course, Carter struggled at times during his rookie season, especially on the offensive end, but he is a great defender who could bring a boost to Denver’s backcourt.
Despite this, the young guard does still need to develop on the offensive end and with the Nuggets looking to make a title run this season, they may not want to acquire a player they will have to develop.
While the Nuggets could target these players, they could also look elsewhere to bolster their roster as they try to make another championship run this season with Jokic leading the way.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Sep 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.