Nuggets Jump Up To Draft DaRon Holmes II

Keith Smith
Keith Smith, Resident NBA ExpertJune 27, 2024
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#nba #trade #denver nuggets #phoenix suns #daron holmes ii #ryan dunn
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The Denver Nuggets were rumored to have given a promise to DaRon Holmes II. If that was true, the Nuggets had to move up the draft board to keep that promise. In exchange, the Phoenix Suns dropped back, while adding some much-needed additional draft capital.

Here are the particulars:

Denver Nuggets acquired: draft rights to DaRon Holmes II

Phoenix Suns acquire: draft rights to Ryan Dunn, 2024 56th overall pick, two future second-round picks

Let’s dive in!

(Note: We are analyzing this deal as it has been reported. If the trade is adjusted to include additional players or teams, we’ll adjust the analysis.)

Denver Nuggets

For a few weeks now, speculation was that the Denver Nuggets promised Dayton big man DaRon Holmes II that he would be their selection with the 28th pick. Denver must have sensed that Holmes wouldn’t get to them, because they cashed in some assets to move up to get their man.

Sitting just ahead of the Nuggets were the New York Knicks. After swinging the big trade for Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby, the Knicks were going to find it hard to retain Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency. They could have had their eyes on Holmes as a replacement, which may have prompted the Nuggets to jump ahead of them.

Denver needed another big to back up both Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon. The hope has been that Zeke Nnaji would seize that role, but injuries and inconsistent play have kept that from happening.

Holmes can fill that role right away. He’s got the size and skill to play either of the big positions. Holmes will be a good finisher around the basket, as well as having the ability to step out and shoot it. He’s also a very good shot-blocker and rebounder.

In order to acquire their new third big, the Nuggets took on a little additional in tax money. It’s not such a meaningful amount to really matter, but it shows good commitment from ownership to keep adding to the team to stay in title contention.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns hit draft week look to come away with some additional draft capital. They achieved that in this trade. Phoenix snagged and extra second-round pick in this draft, which will be helpful given the second-apron restrictions the Suns are operating under.

Of immediate interest is drafting Ryan Dunn. He’s probably the best defensive wing in this draft, and possibly the best defensive player in the draft, period. Dunn will find his way on the court as a rookie, simply because of his defense and rebounding. On offense, Dunn is pretty raw, but the Suns don’t need any more offense.

Phoenix also saved some money off their tax bill by moving back several picks in the draft. Every little bit helps for a team that projects to be one of the most expensive in the NBA next season. And having some additional draft picks to use in future trades is also welcomed.

 


#nba #trade #denver nuggets #phoenix suns #daron holmes ii #ryan dunn
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