$26 Million Stretch Big Seen as Ideal Target for Nuggets…

The Denver Nuggets are looking to bolster their roster this offseason. With limited options in free agency due to approaching the league’s second tax apron, they might consider a trade for Kelly Olynyk.

Andy Bailey from Bleacher Report discussed why Olynyk, a Toronto Raptors big man, could be a perfect fit for the Nuggets.

“Olynyk is a big man similar in style to Jokić but is a more dependable three-point shooter,” Bailey wrote on May 22. “His shooting range, playmaking ability, and defensive positioning would enhance the Nuggets’ second unit.”

Bailey also detailed a potential trade scenario for Olynyk.

“He extended his contract with the Raptors after a trade last season, so acquiring him would require a trade. A package including Zeke Nnaji, salary fillers, and some draft picks might interest the rebuilding Raptors.”

Olynyk’s contract is valued at $26 million over two years. Since joining the NBA in 2013, he has played in multiple conference finals with the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, and reached the NBA Finals in 2020 with Miami. However, he hasn’t made the playoffs since leaving Miami.

Throughout his 11-year NBA career, Olynyk has established himself as a stretch big, boasting a 36.9% three-point shooting percentage.

**Challenges of a Kelly Olynyk-Nuggets Trade**

Entering the second tax apron this offseason poses significant challenges for the Nuggets. This status restricts them from aggregating contracts for trades. Olynyk is set to earn $12.8 million for the 2024-25 season, and the Nuggets lack players outside their starting five with matching salaries. They might avoid this restriction by staying within the first tax apron.

Another issue is the future of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. His crucial role in the Nuggets’ 2023 championship could lead him to opt out of his player option, and retaining him would be costly, making it difficult to stay under the first tax apron.

**Michael Porter Jr. Trade Consideration**

Mike Kizla from The Denver Gazette suggested that the Nuggets trade Michael Porter Jr. to regain championship contention after their season ended against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“A significant change is needed for the Nuggets to remain competitive in a tougher Western Conference next season,” Kizla wrote on May 20. “Trading Porter, who struggled when needed most in Game 7 against Minnesota, could be a key move.”

A scenario where the Nuggets trade Porter Jr. could potentially involve acquiring Olynyk in a larger package, which might be beneficial given their current lack of depth.