Although the source's headline promises „two main trade targets," the truth is simpler and more interesting - the Denver Nuggets are open to any trade scenario that would bring Nikola Jokić a more athletic and defensively oriented team around him. This is reported by NBA insider Marc Stein after Denver's first-round elimination by Minnesota 4-2.

„When it comes to reshaping the team around three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, it is believed the Nuggets will be open to practically any trade that brings Jokić more athletic and defensively oriented support," Stein wrote in his latest newsletter. Translation - everything is on the table.

The series against the Timberwolves exposed what has long been known about Denver, at the worst possible moment - the problem with length and athleticism on the wings. Aaron Gordon (calf) and Peyton Watson (knee tendon) - the two most defence-minded wings - were limited by injuries. Without them, Jokić's team was left with too many gaps to cover against a fresh, mobile opponent.

Denver has a giant Serb who has already been MVP three times, who has confirmed he is staying, and who will have to be the leading argument for any potential player thinking about a list of those wanting to play in Colorado. That's a solid foundation - but it isn't a plan. The plan still needs to be written, and Stein is clear that it's being drawn up without taboos.

Since 2023 - when they won their first championship - the Nuggets haven't reached a conference final. That was one year. Now it's two, soon three. The Balkans know Jokić well, but they know the pattern even better - an outstanding individual player who often runs out of support at the moment when playoff fates are decided. The question for Denver is whether they will buy this time, or pick carefully - and the answer decides whether Jokić at 32 is still fighting for a ring, or just for the box score.