Nuggets Nearly Traded for Jokic's Countryman at Deadline

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The Near-Miss Trade That Could Have Been

For years, there were endless discussions about potential trades involving the Denver Nuggets and how to reshape their roster around Nikola Jokic. One of the most frequently mentioned ideas was a deal that would bring in Bogdan Bogdanovic, a friend and teammate of Jokic on the Serbian National Team. According to Jake Fischer, this idea almost became a reality when the Nuggets and Hawks had talks about swapping Michael Porter Jr. for De’Andre Hunter and Bogdanovic before last season’s trade deadline.

Now, with all three players having been traded, it seems like the report has some credibility. Hunter, a young wing player, is similar to Cam Johnson, one of Denver's key players. He's a solid shooter and offensive contributor, though he hasn't yet reached his full potential, especially on defense.

Bogdanovic, on the other hand, is a veteran sharpshooter known for his trash-talking. His presence on the floor alongside Jokic could have created an exciting dynamic, offering a much-needed offensive boost off the bench or even as a fifth starter.

Why the Nuggets Might Have Been Better Off Passing

While the idea of Jokic and Bogdanovic playing together in the NBA sounds appealing, it's possible that the Nuggets were better off not making the trade. Hunter has been somewhat effective for the Cavaliers since being dealt, but he hasn’t provided the significant boost the team hoped for during the playoffs. He has also been part of trade rumors again this season.

Bogdanovic, now 33, has struggled with injuries and has not maintained a consistent role on the Clippers, who are currently 12-21. His best days seem to be behind him, and it's hard to imagine him having a major positive impact in the NBA for the rest of his career.

By pursuing this trade, the Nuggets would have used their final opportunity on two role players who might offer only a marginal improvement at best. This could have resulted in a lateral move or even a step back, as Hunter may not have fit as well as Michael Porter Jr., and Bogdanovic might not have even made the rotation.

The Smart Move That Paid Off

Instead of making the trade, Denver chose patience and was able to turn Porter Jr.'s contract into a smaller one for Cam Johnson, along with several other players like Jonas Valanciunas, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown. These moves transformed the roster and helped the team manage through injuries.

This strategy would not have been possible if the Nuggets had decided to trade Porter Jr. earlier for Hunter and Bogdanovic. By holding onto their assets, they were able to build a more competitive and balanced team.

Conclusion

Although the idea of bringing Bogdanovic to Denver seemed enticing, the Nuggets' decision to pass on the trade proved to be the smarter choice. Their current roster has shown signs of growth and resilience, and the team is in a better position than they would have been with the alternative deal. The lesson here is that sometimes, the best move is to wait for the right opportunity rather than rushing into a trade that may not yield the desired results.