NBA Trade Rumors: Kevin Garnett Rejecting Denver Proves Nuggets Are a Year Away

As the Celtics consider blowing up their aging core, Kevin Garnett has put out his fists in response.

The Celtics defensive anchor won’t go to the Denver Nuggets, as his representatives said he will not sign off on a trade to the Mile High city, according to CBS Sports.

The Nuggets are lacking in a defensive presence inside, and GM Masai Ujiri swung for Garnett. The Celtics star wants no part in Denver, though, so what does that say about the No. 4 team in the West?

With Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried and Andre Iguodala, among others, there’s a lot to like about this young and vibrant Nuggets squad. But KG has spoken, and he says he has “no current interest in the Nuggets.” 

Translation: Denver is stuck in neutral with its current makeup. Looking down the roster list, the team oozes youth and potential, but the inability to lure players is unnerving for the Nuggets’ future.

In the present, though, a Western Conference title berth would be the best-case scenario. The Nuggets would need a ton of breaks, but it's plausible, considering the way they are playing right now.

But nothing more than that. No Finals appearance. No ticker-tape parade in Denver. Lack of a consistent inside presence, youth and a cluttered rotation all spell for playoff doom.

They have made good recently on the trade block, getting a major haul from the Knicks for Carmelo Anthony and not sacrificing any major pieces for Iguodala. 

Do they have any other deals left in them? The answer lies in who they’re willing to part with. Lawson or Faried will have to be dangled on the trade block for Denver to taste of a top-20 player.

Of course there are other factors in KG’s trade demands. He prefers a Los Angeles destination, the location of his West Coast home.

Even if Garnett’s decision does not consider overall team talent, players generally favor the California sun than the Rocky Mountains. All in all, recruiting stars to play in Denver continues to be a rough go for this franchise. 

This Nuggets squad does have one advantage: time. Lawson, Faried, Javale McGee and Danilo Gallinari are all 25 and under, years away from their peak seasons.

There certainly is hope in Denver, but patience may wear thin if that becomes the Nuggets mantra.

Mike Shiekman is a Breaking News Writer for Bleacher Report. Follow his sports musings and random life observations on Twitter.

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