How the Hornets can take advantage of the Nuggets' rumored trade interest

The Charlotte Hornets have little to offer to other teams in terms of trade assets. However, it seems that one of their veterans has drawn the interest of a championship contender.

According to insider Marc Stein, the Denver Nuggets continue to be mentioned as a trade target (subscription required) for Vasilije Micic, the Serbian point guard who reportedly has a close relationship with Nikola Jokic.

It's unclear if the Hornets are looking to get rid of the 30-year-old playmaker. But if Denver shows the willingness to part ways with some of its assets to get the deal done, Charlotte should definitely take advantage.

How the Hornets can pounce on the Nuggets' rumored interest in Micic

Of course, the Hornets front office might be hesitant to give Micic up just like that because he can serve as insurance in the event that its LaMelo Ball problem resurfaces sometime in the next months.

Still, it wouldn't be surprising to see the two-time EuroLeague champion on a new team later this season, especially because he might not see that much playing time behind Ball and presumptive second-string point guard Tre Mann. The franchise might also want to give youngsters Nick Smith Jr. and KJ Simpson some run at the position.

So, if the Nuggets indeed pursue the Serb to give Jokic one of his possible preferred teammates, Charlotte should try to squeeze their hands by asking for a rotation player in exchange.

With Micic's salary for the 2024-25 campaign pegged at $7.7 million and the Nuggets already near the punitive second luxury tax apron, it won't be in its best interest to acquire his contract without shipping out a player who earns more.

The roster piece that fits that criteria is Zeke Nnaji, Denver's first-round pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and who is set to take home $8.9 million in the coming season. The University of Arizona product could turn out to be a great return for Charlotte, as he could slot in at either the power forward or center spots. His numbers so far in his young career aren't impressive at first glance, but he seems to be teeming with potential.

If Denver plays hardball, the good thing is that the Hornets can remain patient and just hold onto Micic instead. Considering how they fleeced the Oklahoma City Thunder in last season's Gordon Hayward trade that landed them Micic, Mann, Davis Bertans, and a couple of second-round picks, they should try again to grab the most value of one of their trade assets.