Pelicans Trade Holiday to Denver in Hypothetical: Should They?

New Orleans Pelicans: Nuggets get Holiday in proposed trade.

Why Denver Would Do It

I don’t think the Nuggets are too focused on trades right now, as they are in the Western Conference Finals, but if they lose, they might be looking to change things a bit.

Obviously Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are the cornerstones of the Nuggets, but right now they don’t really have a third piece. This obviously hasn’t hurt them too much yet, but if they get smoked by the Lakers, they might be compelled to seek out that third player.

Holiday brings perimeter defense, allowing Murray to focus on the offensive end. He also gives them a solid offensive option, as Holiday is both a scorer and facilitator.

Harris and Morris are nice players for the Nuggets, but Holiday is clearly better, and gives them a more potent starting five.

But it also diminishes Denver’s depth, which has been a big part of their success. The Nuggets clearly have good chemistry going and may not want to potentially disrupt that when they are already in the Western Finals anyway.

Denver may look to make small changes rather than a big splashy trade. Then again, they may feel they have a window with the Jokic/Murray duo when they can win a title.

This would deplete Denver’s depth and make their payroll a lot tighter, but it would also give them a chance to win a title or two while the Joker is still in his prime.

It’d be a tough call, but I think Denver pulls the trigger. How about the New Orleans Pelicans?