Next steps for Nuggets: Beef up bench, reunite with old friend

Despite a second-round postseason loss to Minnesota, the Denver Nuggets are primed to be contenders for years, so there aren't massive moves for them to make this offseason. 

But when we compare the championship Nuggets team of 2022-23 with the team that lost to Minnesota, holes are apparent. Here are the next steps for Denver to make:

Sign someone like Bruce Brown ...

The starting lineup of Jamal Murray, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Porter Jr, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic is potentially the best high-usage five-man group in the NBA. It won't overwhelm you with a single mode of scoring, but each player is so locked into his role that the group as a whole runs like a finely tuned engine.

Denver, however, needs bench help.

Without Brown, the 2022-23 Nuggets would not have won the NBA title. He was stellar last postseason for Denver, averaging 12 points, hitting timely shots and creating havoc defensively. So, when Brown signed a two-year, $45 million contract with Indiana last summer, it clearly was a big loss for the Nuggets.

Through the regular season, Denver mitigated the loss of Brown, but not having a bench superstar like him became a glaring issue in the playoffs. Christian Braun was Denver's leading scorer off the bench this postseason, averaging only 5.1 points. Reggie Jackson, Justin Holiday and Julian Strawther didn't supply much offense off the bench either.

So, Denver's offseason checklist is clear: Find a replacement for Brown who can provide Denver different looks and two-way versatility.

Theoretically, unrestricted free agent Royce O'Neale, who averaged 7.7 points this season for Phoenix, fits this role perfectly. He's an underrated passer and would provide the second unit with more ball movement. Plus, he also defends well enough to stay on the floor during the playoffs.

Unrestricted free agent Kyle Anderson, who averaged 6.4 points this season for Minnesota, would bring smarts as well. Unrestricted free agent Nic Batum (5.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG) had a resurgence in Philadelphia that will earn him a nice payday this offseason. Denver should make a call to him, too.

Basically, the archetype of "bench forward who can hit shots, defend and keep the ball rolling" is what the Nuggets need. 

... or simply trade for Bruce Brown

Of course, re-acquiring Brown — who will be 28 by the start of next season — would probably be the easiest route to go. 

Brown, now with the Raptors, is set to make $23 million next season if Toronto picks up his option. It likely will, presumably to use Brown (10.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG this season) as a trade chip. The rebuilding Raptors would benefit more from trading Brown's expiring contract than they would from actually keeping him for the whole season. 

Denver knows how much better Brown would make it, so why not throw a pick or two Toronto's way to get back a guy who was such a key piece to the best season in Nuggets history? 

Denver's championship window is wide open. Prioritizing another ring over everything else should be the path it takes for at least the next few seasons.