On the eve of free agency, we have a trade! The Nuggets shipped Monte Morris and Will Barton to the Wizards for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith. Here’s how both teams did in a transaction that seems minor but could have a meaningful impact on the 2022–23 season.
Denver Nuggets: B
Last month, new Nuggets president of basketball operations Calvin Booth made it clear that Denver would have to improve on defense if it wanted to prevail in four straight playoff series anytime soon. This trade is a step toward addressing that need. Caldwell-Pope remains a quality on-ball defender who can hound high-volume ball-handlers at the point of attack, chase shooters around screens and stay in front of bigger wings.
