Everything you need to know about the Nuggets in the 2022 NBA Draft

The Denver Nuggets could make some big moves on Thursday as the NBA Draft allows them to select or wheel and deal.

Here’s what you need to know entering the draft:

Nuggets picks
First round: No. 21, No. 30 (via OKC)
Second round: none

Nuggets needs
Perimeter defense
Backup center
Third-string point guard

Nuggets draft board
Tari Eason, 21, Forward, 6-8, LSU
Jalen Williams, 21, Guard/Wing, 6-6. Santa Clara
Dalen Terry, 19, Guard/Wing, 6-7, Arizona
MarJon Beauchamp, 21, Wing, 6-6, G League Ignite
Mark Williams, 20, Center, 7-2, Duke

Wildcard
The trade which sent JaMychal Green and a future first-round pick to the Thunder for the 30th pick and two future seconds has not been finalized. Currently, the deal would create a trade exemption where the Nuggets could absorb somebody of Green’s salary into their cap. But since the deal is not complete, the Nuggets and Thunder could involve a third team, creating a higher potential for a corresponding draft-night trade.

Trade assets
The Nuggets could trade either the No. 21 or No. 30 picks, and many expect that at least one of these picks will be moved. The Nuggets could use either to trade up with a few teams rumored to be wanting out of their picks in the teens. Denver could also use the second selection to move back into the second round, where they have some interest in a few prospects.

The Draft is the easiest time to move players, so much of Denver’s offseason could take place in the next 36 hours. The biggest trade chips are Monte Morris and Will Barton. There are many rumors about Morris on the block and the Nuggets’ long-time backup point guard could help Denver upgrade at another position. Morris is on the block because Bones Hyland’s excellent rookie season, but the Nuggets would still be short a third-string point guard. And with Barton gone, Denver would have a big hole to fill at the shooting guard.

Trade targets
Luguentz Dort
Josh Hart
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
OG Anunoby
Malcolm Brogdon
Matisse Thybulle

Nuggets depth chart
Jamal Murray, Bones Hyland, Monte Morris
Will Barton, Davon Reed*
Michael Porter Jr., Austin Rivers*
Aaron Gordon, Jeff Green
Nikola Jokic, Zeke Nnaji

*A free agent but the expectation is that they’ll re-sign

Summary
We’ll learn if the Nuggets are serious about spending the big bucks to win a title. We’ll see how aggressive Denver is in surrounding MVP Nikola Jokic. It’s General Manager Calvin Booth’s first big day at the helm, and we’ll learn about him too. This is its biggest day in one of the most important offseasons in club history.

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