Nuggets Could Target Draft-Day Trade to Strengthen Nikola Jokic’s Support

The Denver Nuggets enter the 2026 NBA Draft facing an important decision about how best to maximize the championship window of Nikola Jokic. Despite another strong regular season and one of the NBA’s most productive offenses, Denver’s postseason exit exposed several roster concerns that can no longer be ignored.

Led by Jokic and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets remained one of the Western Conference’s top teams throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Under head coach David Adelman, Denver consistently overwhelmed opponents with efficient offense, sharp ball movement, and a starting lineup capable of competing with any team in the league.

However, the playoffs revealed a different reality. The Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated Denver in six games, repeatedly taking advantage of weaknesses that had been masked during the regular season. The Nuggets struggled whenever Jokic left the floor, and their lack of frontcourt depth became increasingly difficult to overcome.

As a result, Denver’s focus this offseason may shift toward finding immediate contributors rather than long-term projects. Holding the No. 26 overall pick gives the organization an asset to work with, but the franchise could benefit more from moving up the draft board than staying in place.

1. Why a Trade Up Makes Sense

Late first-round selections can still produce valuable NBA players, but contenders often face different priorities than rebuilding teams. Denver is not searching for future stars to develop over several years. Instead, it needs players capable of helping the team compete for championships immediately. The Nuggets’ timeline remains closely tied to Jokic’s prime years. While the three-time MVP continues to perform at an elite level, the organization understands that championship opportunities cannot be taken for granted. Every season must be approached with urgency. One possible strategy involves packaging veteran forward Cameron Johnson together with the No. 26 pick in an effort to move into the top 20. Such a move would not only improve Denver’s draft position but could also provide greater financial flexibility moving forward. By climbing higher in the draft order, the Nuggets would gain access to a stronger tier of prospects. More importantly, they could target a player whose strengths directly address the deficiencies that surfaced during their playoff loss to Minnesota.

2. Morez Johnson Jr. Fits a Key Need

Among the prospects who could attract Denver’s attention is Morez Johnson Jr., a player whose athletic profile aligns with many of the team’s needs. His size, mobility, and defensive versatility make him an intriguing option for a roster seeking greater balance. Johnson possesses the type of physical tools that championship contenders often value. His length allows him to protect the rim, while his mobility enables him to defend multiple areas of the court. Those traits have become increasingly important in today’s NBA. Denver’s biggest weakness during the postseason was its inability to maintain defensive effectiveness when Jokic rested. Opponents frequently attacked the Nuggets’ second-unit lineups, exposing a shortage of athletic defenders capable of controlling the paint and securing rebounds. Adding a player such as Johnson could help alleviate those concerns. His presence would provide the coaching staff with additional lineup flexibility while reducing the defensive burden placed on Jokic throughout both the regular season and playoffs.

3. Balancing the Present and Future

The modern NBA has increasingly rewarded teams that combine star power with depth, versatility, and athleticism. Recent championship contenders have demonstrated the value of having multiple defenders capable of switching assignments and contributing in various roles. The New York Knicks’ championship run and the San Antonio Spurs’ Finals appearance highlighted how important roster flexibility has become. Both teams relied on deep rotations filled with athletic players who could impact games without needing large offensive roles. Denver remains among the league’s elite offensive teams, but matching the league’s evolving style may require strategic adjustments. Acquiring a prospect who can contribute defensively, rebound effectively, and provide energy off the bench would help the Nuggets remain competitive against the NBA’s top contenders. Equally important, a young player acquired through the draft would offer long-term value beyond the immediate season. While veteran additions can provide short-term solutions, investing in a prospect with upside could strengthen Denver’s rotation for years while helping extend the franchise’s championship window around Jokic.