Denver Nuggets: The Wilson Chandler Trades Part II- The West
Nov 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) drives to the basket during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Wilson Chandler has played well in his time with Denver, but he may be underutilized in this upcoming season as a second string SF behind Danilo Gallinari.
Denver Nuggets fans would be sad to see him go, but sending Wilson Chandler to another team might be a smart move for the Nuggets.
Obviously, they would be after something of their own. Fortunately, most teams have something worth trading for. With Danilo Gallinari apparently locked into Denver for the foreseeable future, Chandler’s talents would likely be better utilized elsewhere. Chandler would have to be used in contingency with other players at times.
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In Part II, the best potential Wilson Chandler trade options will be evaluated with every team throughout the Western Conference.
Dallas Mavericks
Apr 10, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) shoots the ball over Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Mavericks +2 Wins, Nuggets +1 Wins
The Trade machine suggests a strong compatibility between these two teams, with both benefiting from the mock-trade.
Why the Mavericks would do it:
They’d be in good shape. The Trade Machine says so. The fact is that Wesley Matthews has simply not performed up to his salary, and trading him away for Barton and Chandler would bring more dynamic offensive options to the team. Matthews is a better shooter than either Barton or Chandler. Still, the Mavericks would likely benefit from making this sacrifice. They’d have a better shot a playoff run with the Wills on their side.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
They need more seasoned shooters like Matthews. Barea has a nice touch as well, and could probably provide more on-court production than Jameer Nelson. Nelson would see a big minutes cut, and Gary Harris would likely come off the bench with Nuggets rookie Jamal Murray.
Overall, the Nuggets would have a far more threatening three-point squad. This would force defenders to avoid double-teams, and could help cut down on turnovers. With a lot of turnovers and missed threes last season, a trade like this could help turn the team around.
Golden State Warriors
October 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21, left) dribbles against Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) during the second quarter in a preseason game at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Warriors +2 Wins, Nuggets -2 Wins
The Trade Machine shows this benefiting the Warriors. This is a necessary cost of trading for Klay Thompson.
Why the Warriors would do it:
They probably wouldn’t trade away Klay Thompson. Any proposition would have to increase their likeliness of winning the championship, which is unlikely. However, the Nuggets may be in a position to do so.
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Kevin Durant is likely in for the long haul. This makes Klay Thompson’s presence on the team slightly less essential than before. Denver’s mock-trade would benefit the Warriors mostly thanks to depth. Last year, switching out Klay Thompson for Gary Harris (at the starting SG spot) would have been ridiculous. But now, with Harris improved and Durant on the roster, it actually sounds like a good fit. With Harris’ game showing sturdy well-roundness, he could for a great SG for the Warriors to move forward with. He could fit Thompson’s void, diminished by Durant’s presence, at a fraction of the cost.
On top of that, they would have Kenneth Faried and Wislon Chandler both coming off the bench. They would be backing up Draymond Green and Kevin Durant, respectively. Does that not sound like a viscous rotation? Giving up Thompson would be a big risk. But doing so, to the Nuggets, could help bring another trophy to the bay.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
Not only would this be great for the Nuggets, but this would be great for Thompson. He would get the opportunity to breakout in huge ways, and could turn the team around in an instant. He is the sort of defensive floor-general that the Nuggets need, and also happens to be the reigning 3-point challenge champ. Igoudala would replace Chandler’s bench position.
Thompson would probably be heartbroken to leave Golden State. But still, the challenge of bringing a team in rebuild into a playoff position could be the push that sends his career over the edge.
He would have some work to do, which seems accounted for by the Trade Machine. But if he managed to rise to the challenge presented, Thompson could very well flourish in Denver. Last season, the Nuggets were actually very good at getting open catch-and-shoot opportunities, which they suffered greatly at cashing in on. Klay Thompson lives for catch-and-shoot opportunities. He could fit into Denver’s squad very well.
Houston Rockets
Dec 17, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza (1) against Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) during the game at Pepsi Center. The Rockets won 115-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Rockets Unaffected, Nuggets Unaffected
Why the Rockets would do it:
They would probably do it for Gary Harris. Most teams would be happy to have Harris. He has shown great improvement, demonstrates strong fundamental skills, and costs less than $4 million a year.
Trevor Ariza has been a big part of their team, so giving him up would have to mean gaining a new player to move forward with. Gary Harris could be that player, likely, eventually, sliding Harden to permanently play SF.
Meanwhile, Chandler could fit in well with the Rockets. His athleticism and rebounding abilities would fit in well, essentially replacing Ariza’s position in relation to James Harden.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
They probably wouldn’t. Trevor Ariza is a good player, but he would not be worth trading away Gary Harris. The point of trading Chandler would be to acquire a new spark, not seeking a replacement.
If, for some reason, the Rockets and Nuggets did carry out a trade involving Wilson Chandler, this would simply be the most compatible option.
LA Clippers
Denver Nuggets get C, DeAndre Jordan
Oct 2, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) drives against Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Clippers Unaffected, Nuggets -1 Wins
Why the Clippers would do it:
DeAndre Jordan has been a bit of a liability for them. Considering the fact that he is payed over $20 million a year, this may be reason enough to trade. Acquiring Faried and Chandler would add two athletic forwards to the team, which could help their longevity throughout any 7-game series.
Faried is not a great shooter either, like Jordan, but he has shown improvement up to about 12 feet. His FG% is also solid year after year, much like Jordan’s. He could replace Jordan in many ways, but he would make for a very undersized center. Blake Griffin wouldn’t though.
Griffin could make for a great center. He loves posting up, and has shown his range as of late. He could play center for a more traditional line-up, while small-ball looks could be explored as well. The Clippers would have more options as far as rotations go. In that sense, Faried and Chandler could help the team.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
The would have the strong defensive presence that they need. Their three-point shooting wouldn’t be helped by this trade. But that’s what they drafted Jamal Murray for anyways, right?
This mock-trade would Likely bump Nikola Jokic to Denver’s starting PF spot, which would not be a problem. A front-court rotation of Jordan, Jokic, Arthur, Jokic, and rookie Hernangomez does not sound bad at all.
LA Lakers
Nov 23, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) grabs a rebound in front of Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) in the second half of the game at Staples Center. Nuggets won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Lakers +5 Wins, Nuggets -4 Wins
This mock-trade seems to immediately favor the Lakers, and it likely would. But the Nuggets could stand something to gain as well.
Why the Lakers would do it:
First off, they would be getting rid of Nick Young. Secondly, this trade would bring a huge swing their way. Also, their recent signings suggest a more urgent desire for immediate success. If the Lakers are ditching the whole “development and rebuilding” thing, and going for more of a head-hunting rehash, then this mock-trade would be taken in a heartbeat.
Julius Randle has shown great potential, but he is also young and inexperienced. Kenneth Faried, Will Barton, and Wilson Chandler all have the athleticism to fit in with LA’s young back-court. They also have the NBA experience that the organization may be after. This trade would be expensive, but the team’s firepower would see an immediate boost. The Lakers don’t seemed concerned about money at the moment. They are paying Mozgov $16 Million a year. They would be fools not to take this deal.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
The Nuggets need a floor spreading PF, and Randle has the appropriate capabilities. He is also only 21, which would make him perfect for Denver. The organization seems, unlike LA, completely set with developing their youth, and molding a team for the future, bound by experience and chemistry. Louis Williams could replace Will Barton’s position as sixth-man, and supply similar production. He is more of a shooter than Barton, which could help Denver fix some issues, especially beyond the arch.
Nick Young and Jose Calderon wouldn’t see much playing time, nor should they. Their inclusion in the trade is merely for salary cap reasons. This trade would really be done for the addition of Julius Randle to the Nuggets’ young core. Faried and Chandler just happen to be expendable.
When you think about it, adding Randle to the starting 5, and having Williams coming off the bench instead of Barton, just doesn’t sound like it should set the Nuggets back 4 games. The trade machine could be wrong. This could be a good move, especially moving forward.
Unless Gallo got injured again, then they’d be screwed. Darrell Arthur would make for a better replacement than Nick Young.
Memphis Grizzlies
Denver Nuggets get C, Marc Gasol
Jan 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) shoots the ball against Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Grizzlies +4 Wins, Nuggets -2 Wins
The Trade Machine suggests a huge swing in Memphis’ favor, which may be surprising.
Why the Grizzlies would do it:
Apparently, giving up Gasol for Fared and Chandler would be a very smart move. The two athletic forwards might be able to give the Grizzlies the necessary boost to fight for a conference title. With Randolph capable of playing both PF and C, they would rotation options. This depth and versatility could pay off big time.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
Adding Marc Gasol to their team would up their defensive strength. A Jokic and Gasol front-court sounds like a glorious thing. Throw Emmanuel Mudiay, Gary Harris, and, oh yeah, Danilo Gallinari into the mix, and you have got one nasty starting 5. The bench SF position would likely be Barton’s, giving rookies Murray and Beasley more time at the SG spot. The Nuggets would have a lot of good reasons to say yes to this trade.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Oct 30, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) passes the ball during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Timberwolves +2 Wins, Nuggets Unaffected
The Timberwolves are projected to benefit the most form this mock-trade, but the Nuggets would not lose anything themselves.
Why the Timberwolves would do it:
They would have experienced and athletic players at both forward positions. Chandler could be a great starting SF for the Timberwolves. He has earned that right. Then, with Faried coming off the bench at PF, the Timberwolves would see a significant boost to their lineup.
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Pekovic and Rubio seem out of place, and rather expendable. Adding Faried and Chandler would make better use of the organization’s payroll funds.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
Ricky Rubio would be much more valuable to the Nuggets than the Timberwolves. Their young guards could learn a lot from Rubio, particularly on the passing-side of the game. Plus, his play-making ability still provides plenty of on-court production. He would likely come off the bench, and work to set up players like Will Barton, Jamal Murray, and Darrell Arthur, giving a serious bump to the Nuggets’ second unit.
Their starting 5 would need some mending. In Faried’s absence, Jokic would likely absorb the starting PF spot. The starting C spot may go to Jusuf Nurkic. Him and Pekovic would likely split the minutes at the position. This mock-trade would give the Bosnian Beast an opportunity to step up his game, which he seems hungry for. But given the uncertainty of this situation, it makes sense that the Trade Machine sees the Nuggets unaffected by Pekovic’s acquisition.
The upped abilities of the Nuggets bench might be enough to make this trade worthwhile. However, much if its success would rely on Jusuf Nurkic’s ability to perform. It’d be a bit of a gamble.
New Orleans Pelicans
Jan 28, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Pelicans +1 Wins, Nuggets -1 Wins
The Nuggets would have to make an enticing offer to land Anthony Davis. The Trade Machine projects a slight boost for the Pelicans. This may be just enough.
Why the Pelicans would do it:
The only real reason why they would tale this mock-trade offer would be to get more wins. The fans would probably be upset. However, trading away their All-Star for three seasoned and skilled players would better for the team itself.
Its tough to say though, because Anthony Davis essentially is the team. Still, when he has been the team, they have not seen much success at all. One route would be to rebuild around Davis. Another, proposed in this mock-trade, would be to scrap Davis. This would mean going for a more well-rounded team, with talent spread out evenly across positions.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
THEY WOULD HAVE ANTHONY DAVIS.
Unlike the Pelicans, the Nuggets seem to be heading in the right direction. Adding Anthony Davis into this mix could give the team a huge boost. The Trade Machine thinks otherwise.
It hasn’t factored in how much Emmanuel Mudiay’s play could improve with a PF like Antony Davis in the starting 5. Mudiay and Faried have chemistry, no doubt. But the floor-spreading versatility of Davis’ game simply makes him a better fit as Mudiay continues to develop his own range. This trade could be much better for the Nuggets than the Trade Machine suggests.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oct 18, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter (11) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Thunder +3 Wins, Nuggets -1 Wins
Apparently, this mock-trade benefits the Thunder significantly more than the Nuggets. This may be true, but both teams would receive useful weapons.
Why the Thunder would do it:
With Adams and now Lauvergne too, the C spot seems pretty full for the Thunder. They could use an explosive PF though, and Faried might be a good fit. Faried has a history of doing well against the Thunder. Because of this, adding him to their squad may carry an extra bit of motivation.
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Swapping Singler for Chandler is probably the best part of this trade for OKC. In Durant’s absence, they don’t really have a starting SF, and Chandler could be exactly what they need. Giving up Oladipo would sacrifice some shooting ability for the size and rebounding ability of Will Barton, who would likely become their sixth-man behind Andre Roberson.
The Thunder would have a team better suited to ride the momentum of Russel Westbrook. Moreover, this mock-trade could help them recover from Durant’s departure, and contend for the Conference title once again.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
It would make Nikola Jokic into the floor-spreading PF that they crave. Kanter has consistently demolished Denver, and adding him to their squad would likely help their front-court toughen up. He also has pretty good range, and solid rebounding & shot blocking abilities. He would be a fantastic addition to any front-court.
Victor Oladipo could replace Barton as the Nuggets’ sixth-man, or take the starting SG spot. If he started, Harris would likely come off the bench with Jamal Murray. This might bring a smile to both young players’ faces. Kyle Singler would be a more appropriate fit for the Nuggets’ bench SF spot than Chandler, who deserves a starting role.
The Trade machine suggest a sight disadvantage coming from this trade. But when you consider the new rotation options that the Nuggets would face, success seems more likely.
Phoenix Suns
Nov 4, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) and guard Brandon Knight (3) against the Sacramento Kings at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Kings 118-97. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Suns +4 Wins, Nuggets Unaffected
The Trade Machine shows Phoenix standing everything to gain from this mock-trade. Inversely, the Nuggets would stand nothing to lose.
Why the Suns would do it:
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They do not need two starting PGs. Yes, it made for a fun experiment, but its not working out.
Eric Bledsoe has a greater upside. So, trading away Knight to build a more balanced team around Bledsoe makes a lot of sense. In this mock-trade, both forward positions would see an immediate boost. This would make up for the loss in firepower gained form Knight’s departure.
They do already have plenty of guards, so losing Knight might not have much impact at all. Maybe this is why the Trade Machine projects such a dramatic swing. Acquiring Jameer Nelson would provide bit of a safety net at the PG position, in the event of injury. The Suns should look to make a deal like this.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
Brandon Knight is a heck of a three-point threat. Working him into the rotation might be tricky. But still, in any event, having Brandon Knight on the Nuggets roster instead of Jameer Nelson should provide a boost for the team.
Tyson Chandler and Jusuf Nurkic could split minutes at the C spot, and rookie PF Hernangomez would see a bump in minutes. Overall, the Nuggets would be sacrificing very little. Moreover, they would gain a seasoned veteran and defensive wall in Chandler, and a potential All-Star in Knight. Both players could pose to make great contributions towards the success of the team.
Portland Trailblazers
Portland Traiblazers get SF, Wilson Chandler
Nov 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Pepsi Center. The Trail Blazers won 130-113. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Trailblazers Unaffected, Nuggets Unaffected
This is an unlikely trade, as neither team stands much to gain. It is simply the most compatible option for these two teams.
Why the Trailblazers would do it:
If they were to take this trade, it would be for the more offensive threatening presence of Wilson Chandler. Aminu is capable of hitting shots, but he is not the most athletic forward, and struggles to create off the dribble. Similarly, Noah Vonleh has played fine, but lacks the creative offensive skills of many who play at the PF position. Adding Chandler could mean a more offensively sound starting 5 for the Trailblazers to work with.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
Aminu seems more fit for a bench role than Chandler. They may make this trade out of respect for Chandler. In addition, acquiring Noah Vonleh means another young player to develop. The Nuggets organization seems to enjoy these opportunities, and may consider the trade for that reasona s well.
Even with all of this in mind, a Portland/Denver trade seems very unlikely.
Sacramento Kings
Nov 5, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) drives in against Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Kings Unaffected, Nuggets Unaffected
This is a very balanced mock-trade. If it were to be accepted, both teams would likely do so in the name of changing things up.
Why the Kings would do it:
Rudy Gay has been a big part of their offense, but his inconsistency has hurt them. Putting Chandler in his place could provide the sort of predictable consistency that Sacramento needs. Yes, the duo of Cousins and Gay has given way to some seriously explosive nights. But, it has also yielded plenty of quiet nights that led to a losing record.
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Swapping out Ben McLemore for Gary Harris would be the prize of this trade for the Kings. Moving forward with Harris as their starting SG is something that many NBA teams would love to do right now. The Kings would be lucky to have him. Replacing Casspi with Barton, as their sixth-man, would sacrifice some size and three-point ability for well-roundness, and more aggressive paint-scoring abilities.
This could all put the Kings in a better position to reach the playoffs in this upcoming season.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
If the Nuggets acquired Rudy Gay, they could easily turn him into their floor-spreading PF. He certainly has the size and athleticism for it. He can also shoot, and rebound. His addition into Denver’s starting 5 would payoff greatly.
They would experience some backlash from swapping Harris for McLemore. But still, McLemore is a decent role-playing SG. And, with Emmanuel Mudiay, Danilo Gallinari, Rudy Gay, and Nikola Jokic all on the same starting lineup, a role player could be just what the Nuggets would need. Omri Casspi would become their new sixth-man, and could supply the hot handed three-point threat that Denver craves.
This mock-trade would give the Nuggets a different look, one that could help them too have a better chance at reaching the playoffs.
San Antonio Spurs
Denver Nuggets get PF LaMarcus Aldridge
Apr 5, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. San Antonio won 88-86. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Spurs Unaffected, Nuggets +1 Wins
Lets be honest, the Spurs are not going to trade Aldridge. He is the perfect sort of fundamentally sound PF that they want to keep around for good. Still, the trade machine suggests a compatibility.
Why the Spurs would do it:
They wouldn’t. The apparent compatibility must come from the fact that two players would come San Antonio’s way. Both Chadler and Faried are useful and athletic forwards. But given the high standards of the Spurs organization, their acquisition seems unlikely.
This applies much more to Kenneth Faried than Wilson Chandler, as his weak shooting abilities, particularly with free-throws, makes him likely undesirable to the Spurs.
Still, with the addition of both Nuggets forwards, it makes sense that the Trade Machine projects an unaffected change.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
The Nuggets would take this deal in a heartbeat! They would have Aldridge as their starting PF, only at the sacrifice of two relatively expendable players. What is not to love?!
Utah Jazz
Apr 1, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) defends against Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) during the first half at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Jazz +1 Wins, Nuggets -1 Wins
The Trade Machine shows the Nuggets actually suffering from this mock-trade. That seems ridiculous.
Why the Jazz would do it:
Apparently they would be better off. Favors is considered to be their best player. So, trading him away wouldn’t seem like a good move. But with a promising young PF in Trey Lyles, they might not stand much to lose from giving Favors up.
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In this mock-trade, they would receive Faried to fill Favors’ immediate void. Later on, they would be able to start either Kenneth Faried or Trey Lyles at PF, with the latter providing an overqualified bench presence to the psoition. This would be the case for SF Wilson Chandler, who would play behind Gordon Hayward.
Will Barton could nearly replace Alec Burks’ bench presence, and would do so at less than half the price. The Jazz would stand a good amount to gain from this trade, all without giving up much on their own end.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
Similarly, as their expendable players may fit in better with the Jazz, the Jazz’s expendables could excel in Denver. Rodney Hood has great size and a huge upside. Alec Burks is a proven scorer with touch and versatility. On top of that, they would have Derrick Favors in their starting PF spot.
Favors can’t shoot threes, but he can hit free-throws, and has decent touch up to about 15 feet. This could help the Nuggets offense function more efficiently. Losing Faried would likely mean less offensive rebounds, but adding Favors would likely mean a higher FG%.
Their bench would have two new bench weapons to work with. And although rotations might get messy, the Nuggets would still have added two shooters capable of catching fire, in Burks and Hood. One of them may even be worthy of taking the starting spot from Gary Harris. The Nuggets would have options to explore, and the firepower gain in this mock-trade would likely make that exploration worthwhile.
Mar 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
With all of these mock-trades considered, some standout options emerge.
For western conference teams, the Suns, Thunder, Timberwolves, Grizzlies, Lakers, Mavericks, and Warriors all stand to gain a lot from a Wilson Chandler trade.
For the Nuggets, using Chandler in trade talks with the Jazz, Kings, Suns, Grizzlies, Pelicans, T-Wolves, Clippers, Mavericks, and Warriors would help bring some of the desired weapons (a Veteran, an All-Star, a floor-spreading PF, and/or a deadly three-point shooter) to Denver.
Overall, the most compatible options seem to be between the Nuggets and the Timberwolves, Suns, Grizzlies, Mavericks, and Warriors. In each of these five cases, both teams stand to earn some serious gains.