After the Denver Nuggets were eliminated from the postseason with a 110-98 Game 6 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, it may be time for a real shakeup. The Nuggets entered the year viewed as one of the biggest threats to stopping the defending NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder from going back-to-back. But the further the season progressed, it became obvious this group lacked the defensive talent to hang with the Western Conference's best.
Since Denver has been eliminated, the internet GMs have stormed X with different mock trades and scenarios that could see the Nuggets extend their championship window. One of the most commonly proposed mock trade ideas I've seen involves the New Orleans Pelicans and Herb Jones.
— cheddachaz (@cheddachaz) May 1, 2026
The general idea is a package of Herb Jones and Jordan Hawkins for Cameron Johnson, along with some draft capital. This is a trade idea that I've been throwing around for some time. I felt like it could help address both teams' biggest needs. Johnson would add much-needed floor spacing for the Pelicans, and the Nuggets would finally have a point-of-attack defender in Jones.
Originally, I drew this up as a one-for-one swap, but with Denver entering the offseason with way more desperation coming off a first-round exit, they may be forced to include draft capital.
Nuggets’ desperation could create opportunity for Pelicans
We all know by now the New Orleans Pelicans traded away their 2026 first-round pick during the 2025 NBA Draft as part of a deal centered around acquiring Derik Queen. Although that trade may have cost New Orleans the chance at a potential future All-Star talent in this draft, there are still a ton of great players in the back half of this year's class.
Denver had the 21st defensive rating in the regular season, and those struggles carried over into the playoffs. Those defensive letdowns have reinforced their need for an elite-level stopper, especially given the risk of losing Peyton Watson in restricted free agency this offseason. All season, and especially in the postseason, Johnson was a massive liability on defense, and if Denver is trying to keep their championship window open, trading him is an obvious move.
The Pelicans would be selling low on Jones, considering just a couple of seasons ago, he was an All-Defensive First-Team member.
However, this may also be their last chance to truly cash in on that remaining value. Jones just signed a multi-year extension that kicks in at the start of the 2027-28 season, and he’s coming off back-to-back injury-riddled campaigns that also saw him struggle significantly on the offensive end. Being able to turn his poor production into some improved floor spacing and a chance at an exciting piece for the future in the draft may be too good to pass up on.
While a deal between the two sides wouldn’t be officially allowed to happen until draft day due to the Stepien Rule preventing Denver from trading picks in back-to-back years, it's still a fun idea. Not only would it help the Pelicans escape Jones' extension before his value declines further, but it would improve their three-point margins and give them a chance to take a swing in the late first round.
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