One Trade That Every Team Should Do
Portland gets: SF/PF Wilson Chandler
Nuggets get: PF Thomas Robinson, SF Dorell Wright, Denver’s 2015 second-rounder
Finances: First of all, don’t be confused by the above pick. There’s no typo. Denver previously traded the pick to Portland, who are now trading it back to Denver. Chandler is due for about $13.9 million over the next two years, with a player option on year two, which is very reasonable numbers for someone of Chandler’s caliber. Robinson and Wright are on expiring contracts of $3.7 and $3.1 million, respectively. They are simply cap-fillers, though Robinson still has some upside and Wright can be a useful role player, in allowing Denver to get their own pick back and Portland to acquire a stud sixth man.
The Fit: This is undeniable. Chandler is averaging 14 points and 6 rebounds a game, to go with 2 threes, and would become an instant Sixth Man of the Year candidate for Portland. Wright and Robinson have been mere role players, and sacrificing them and a second-rounder for a player of Chandler’s caliber is well worth it. Starting SF Nicolas Batum has been having a disappointing year, and Portland’s wing depth was thin to begin with, as was their depth overall. Chandler can also slide in and play the four, giving added insurance behind superstar PF LaMarcus Aldridge. This could be the final move that allows Portland to capture that elusive title.
Why the other team does it: Denver, as mentioned in many other teams, is trying to ship away their veterans in favor of younger players. Robinson, a former top five pick, has been largely disappointing in the pros, though he still has potential, while Wright is of little use to the Nuggets. Getting their own second-rounder back also has to help, especially when they plan on tanking. Selling Chandler for assets, as opposed to declining his team option and letting him walk for nothing, makes plenty of sense for the rebuilding Nuggets.
Portland gets: SF/PF Wilson Chandler
Nuggets get: PF Thomas Robinson, SF Dorell Wright, Denver’s 2015 second-rounder
Finances: First of all, don’t be confused by the above pick. There’s no typo. Denver previously traded the pick to Portland, who are now trading it back to Denver. Chandler is due for about $13.9 million over the next two years, with a player option on year two, which is very reasonable numbers for someone of Chandler’s caliber. Robinson and Wright are on expiring contracts of $3.7 and $3.1 million, respectively. They are simply cap-fillers, though Robinson still has some upside and Wright can be a useful role player, in allowing Denver to get their own pick back and Portland to acquire a stud sixth man.
The Fit: This is undeniable. Chandler is averaging 14 points and 6 rebounds a game, to go with 2 threes, and would become an instant Sixth Man of the Year candidate for Portland. Wright and Robinson have been mere role players, and sacrificing them and a second-rounder for a player of Chandler’s caliber is well worth it. Starting SF Nicolas Batum has been having a disappointing year, and Portland’s wing depth was thin to begin with, as was their depth overall. Chandler can also slide in and play the four, giving added insurance behind superstar PF LaMarcus Aldridge. This could be the final move that allows Portland to capture that elusive title.
Why the other team does it: Denver, as mentioned in many other teams, is trying to ship away their veterans in favor of younger players. Robinson, a former top five pick, has been largely disappointing in the pros, though he still has potential, while Wright is of little use to the Nuggets. Getting their own second-rounder back also has to help, especially when they plan on tanking. Selling Chandler for assets, as opposed to declining his team option and letting him walk for nothing, makes plenty of sense for the rebuilding Nuggets.