The Denver Nuggets appear to be open for business as the NBA trade deadline approaches. Veteran guard Jameer Nelson, whom Denver recently acquired, reportedly could end up with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Miami Heat or the Washington Wizards before the Feb. 19 deadline.
Cleveland's trade for Timofey Mozgov in January seemingly set the dominoes in motion for the Nuggets, whom multiple reports have since indicated are willing to part with almost any of their players. Nuggets veterans Arron Afflalo and Wilson Chandler have drawn the most interest, but Nelson apparently has a few suitors of his own.
"The Washington Wizards and Miami Heat have explored trade talks with the Denver Nuggets on Jameer Nelson, sources tell RealGM," Shams Charania of RealGM wrote Thursday night. "No deal is imminent, and Nelson has grown comfortable with his situation in Denver. The veteran point guard is currently dealing with an Achilles injury and hopes to return to the lineup after the NBA All-Star break. The Cleveland Cavaliers had interest in Nelson when the Boston Celtics were offering him in trade scenarios, but not since."
Cleveland might not have pursued Nelson since his trade to Denver, but ESPN's Brian Windhorst suggested Thursday morning that could change in the coming week.
Per ESPN:
"During Thursday's HeyWindy! segment on ESPN 1500 AM, Windhorst mentioned two trade scenarios involving center Brendan Haywood (fast-forward to 38:30 into the show) to upgrade the backup point guard spot. The first scenario would have Haywood going to the Nuggets for Jameer Nelson and the second has Haywood going to the Orlando Magic for Luke Ridnour."
Whether Nelson is dealt depends on how high Denver's asking price is. Cleveland could use a serviceable backup at the 1-spot, but Haywood's nonguaranteed contract for next season is likely all the Cavs will offer Denver. Miami's top assets include Norris Cole, Josh McRoberts and Chris Andersen, and Washington doesn't have much to offer outside of Rasual Butler's expiring contract and Garrett Temple's $1.1 million player option for next season.
The Wizards have also been linked to soon-to-be free agent Will Bynum, who's finishing his season in China.
