DENVER (AP) — According to an anonymous source familiar with the negotiations, the Denver Nuggets, reigning NBA champions, made a move to secure a first-round draft pick by acquiring the 29th overall selection from the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.
In addition to the 29th pick, the Nuggets also obtained the 32nd pick from the Pacers for the upcoming draft on Thursday night. As part of the trade, the Pacers will receive the 40th pick from Denver, along with a first-round pick in 2024. The details of the trade have not been officially announced but were revealed by the source who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
Denver’s objective is to bolster its roster by adding complementary players to support its core group consisting of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon. The Nuggets made a successful move last summer when they selected Christian Braun from Kansas as the 21st pick. Braun proved to be a valuable contributor off the bench during the Nuggets’ journey to their first-ever championship.
Additionally, the Denver Nuggets have a promising 20-year-old shooting guard, Peyton Watson, who may see an increased role in the upcoming season. Watson was acquired by the Nuggets in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder during last June’s draft night. With his potential and abilities, Watson could be given more playing time as the team continues to develop and build upon their roster.
