Ranking Nuggets' Top Trade Targets After 2026 NBA Playoff Loss
Injury issues and defensive breakdowns proved obstacles the Denver Nuggets could not overcome.
Point prevention and general depth are obvious focus areas for the 2026 NBA offseason, then, although addressing either will be tricky with the rising cost of this core. And that's particularly true if the franchise plans on paying both Peyton Watson and Spencer Jones in restricted free agency (as it absolutely should).
The Nuggets will be working on the margins of the trade market, then, and hoping they can sniff out a couple of bargains. The following three players might all fit the bill—and, ideally, the budget.
3. Cam Spencer, Memphis Grizzlies
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As a second-year player who just rocketed to relevance, Spencer should be a building block on Beale Street.
And maybe Memphis sees him that way, but once his age enters the equation (26), it's just hard to imagine the Grizzlies would slot him anywhere near the untouchable tier.
Now, he might still fall outside of the Nuggets' price range, which plays a part in him not ranking any higher. Hopefully, though, that apparent lack of upside and his physical limitations on defense could turn away more suitors than his numbers say he should have.
If he's somehow affordable, Denver should be all over him. He could scratch multiple itches for this second unit, shining as everything from a primary passer and smart decision-maker to a lights-out shooter and quick-strike scorer.
2. Terrence Shannon Jr., Minnesota Timberwolves
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After Terrence Shannon Jr. played a major role in knocking the Nuggets out of the playoffs with 24 points in the clinching Game 6, he could be a top target in the offseason.
Is there such a thing as a cheap three-and-D wing? Probably not. Players with proven value in both roles don't often hit the market, and certainly not at the age of 25.
Shannon, as you might be guessing, isn't proven on either front. His defense can be scatterbrained, and his jumper lacks volume (and, at times, efficiency too).
All of that said, you can see how he might pave the path to a wing rotation spot sooner than later. His physical frame should make an able defender. His perimeter shot shows real promise (career 39.3 percent), and he would be a headache matchup if he could pair a live three-ball with his forceful downhill drives.
The ingredients are all there, it just might take the right chef to put them together. If the Wolves decide they aren't the one, the Nuggets should take their shot.
1. Naji Marshall, Dallas Mavericks
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If the Nuggets let Watson walk, they will desperately need a lockdown wing defender. Even if the returns, though, they should be probing around the market for more perimeter stoppers.
Marshall would be awesome. His defensive motor is forever full-throttle and contagious, and his offense features a ton of inside-the-arc abilities.
He just doesn't shoot from distance, which isn't ideal but also is the kind of thing that could put him just within this front office's budget. And if the Nuggets could bring in this versatile defender, powerful finisher and sneaky-good handler, maybe his outside shot could come alive the way Aaron Gordon's previously did.
Maybe it's wishful thinking that Denver could afford Marshall, but it'd still make sense for the Nuggets to start their offseason by finding out for sure before moving onto alternatives.
