Denver Nuggets Predicted to Make Surprise Trade After NBA Draft Lottery Results

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zachary Rainey | Last updated May 13, 2025 8:38 PM ET

The Denver Nuggets are doing everything they can to keep up with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Nuggets shockingly took Game 1 in Oklahoma City, but the Thunder stormed back for a dominant showing in Game 2.

In Game 3, the Nuggets capitalized on being back in Denver for a 113-104 win.

Game 4 resembled playoff games from the 1990s and early 2000s, with Oklahoma City tying the series at two with a 92-87 win.

Denver Nuggets predicted to make surprise trade

The Nuggets had a difficult road to even the second round, as they played the full seven games against the Los Angeles Clippers.

At times, it looks like it's taken a toll on Nikola Jokic.

He scored 42 points in the series opener against the Thunder, but was held to just 17 and 20 points in Games 2 and 3, respectively.

Jokic looked more like his usual self in Game 4 when he scored 27 points to go along with 13 rebounds.

After the NBA Draft Lottery on Monday night, CBS Sports' Sam Quinn predicts the Nuggets could make a trade with the Houston Rockets to move to No. 10 in the upcoming draft.

"There is no way the Rockets want to try to fit a lottery pick onto next year's roster," Quinn wrote. "They just took Reed Sheppard No. 3 overall and didn't even use him. A No. 10 pick is very valuable to an older, thin roster."

The Nuggets' lack of depth has been a concern all season, but they're really starting to feel it now.

Denver can swing a trade similar to last year's between the San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves, in which San Antonio sent the No. 8 pick to Minnesota for a lightly protected first-round swap six years down the road and an unprotected swap in seven.

A young player who can come in and contribute right away could prove to be exactly what the Nuggets need next season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: