The Denver Nuggets need reinforcements this offseason, but with limited options in free agency due to entering the league’s second tax apron, they might need to consider a trade. One potential target is Kelly Olynyk.
Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey has highlighted why Olynyk, a Toronto Raptors big man, could be an ideal acquisition for the Nuggets.
“Kelly Olynyk, of course, is another big man, but he’s stylistically a lot closer to Jokić while also being a more reliable three-point shooter,” Bailey wrote on May 22. “His range, playmaking, and defensive positioning would enhance the Nuggets’ second unit.”
Bailey suggested that the Nuggets could trade for Olynyk, who signed a $26 million extension with the Raptors. A possible deal might involve Zeke Nnaji, salary filler, and draft capital to appeal to the rebuilding Raptors.
Olynyk, who joined the NBA in 2013, has played in multiple conference finals and the NBA Finals with the Miami Heat in 2020. Despite his extensive playoff experience, he hasn’t been to the playoffs since leaving Miami. Known for his stretch big abilities, he boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 36.9%.
### Challenges of a Kelly Olynyk-Nuggets Trade
The Nuggets are expected to enter the NBA’s second tax apron, which restricts their ability to aggregate contracts for trades. Olynyk’s $12.8 million salary for the 2024-25 season complicates matching salaries outside the starting five. However, if the Nuggets can stay within the first tax apron, they would avoid this restriction.
Another issue is the future of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who has a player option he is likely to opt out of. Retaining him would be costly, making it difficult for the Nuggets to stay under the first tax apron.
### Michael Porter Jr. Trade as a Solution
Mike Kizla of The Denver Gazette suggested trading Michael Porter Jr. to reconfigure the roster after their season ended against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“A far bigger change is demanded to return this team to legit championship contention in a Western Conference that will only be tougher next season,” Kizla wrote on May 20. “The Nuggets need to reconfigure the roster by trading Porter, who disappeared when the team needed him most against Minnesota, missing nine of a dozen shots in Game 7 and finishing with 9 points.”
A blockbuster trade involving Porter Jr. could potentially bring Olynyk and additional assets to improve the Nuggets’ depth, making such a move worth considering.
