Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets runs down the floor during the first half of game seven of the Western Conference (Image via Getty Images) The Denver Nuggets have been advised to target Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell as they prepare for another competitive run in the Western Conference. After back-to-back second-round playoff exits, the franchise is retooling its roster to keep pace with the NBA’s elite.
Denver Nuggets’ Offseason Moves So Far
The Denver Nuggets made several notable roster changes this summer in hopes of turning things around. • Traded for Cameron Johnson • Added Jonas Valanciunas in a frontcourt move • Signed Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce BrownAt the same time, the Nuggets are expected to lose nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook, which could leave them without a reliable backup to Jamal Murray.
T.J. McConnell Named as Trade Target
Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valanciunas (17) works the ball inside as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) defends (Image via AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Nathaniel Holloway of Athlon Sports has identified T.J. McConnell as a player Denver should consider.“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,” Holloway wrote. (H/t: Sporting News)McConnell, 33, remains a valuable piece for the Pacers. He signed a four-year, $44.8 million extension in September 2024, which includes a team option for the 2028-29 season.
McConnell’s Recent Performance
SeasonTeamGames PlayedMinutesPointsAssistsReboundsSteals 2023-24 Pacers 79 17.9 9.1 4.4 2.4 1.1The veteran guard was instrumental during Indiana’s run to the NBA Finals, showcasing his playmaking and defensive strengths off the bench.
Pacers’ Current Situation
The Pacers may face a transitional season after significant setbacks: • Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals and will miss the entire 2025-26 season. • Myles Turner departed in free agency to join the Milwaukee Bucks.With these challenges, Indiana could explore retooling options, making a potential McConnell trade less improbable than before.
Nuggets’ Point Guard Dilemma
With Westbrook likely out of the equation, Denver’s backup point guard role remains uncertain. T.J. McConnell could provide: • Reliable playmaking in the second unit • Defensive toughness • Experience from deep playoff runsHowever, the Nuggets would need to assemble an enticing package to convince Indiana to part ways with a player so integral to their system.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks May Cut Ties With $13,012,968 Wing in Blockbuster Trade Proposal to Bolster Title PushThe Nuggets have made clear their intent to stay competitive in the crowded Western Conference. Adding McConnell could give them stability behind Murray, but Indiana’s willingness to move him remains the biggest question mark.