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Nuggets linked to promising 23-year-old guard from Western Conference team

Mar 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the Denver Nuggets logo on the floor prior to the game between the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets have made several moves to improve their second unit this offseason, but they still have a hole in the backcourt with less than two weeks remaining before training camp.

Russell Westbrook declined his $3.5 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign this summer and is not expected to return to Denver. With Jalen Pickett currently in line to back up Jamal Murray, the team may explore trades for another guard.

While Pickett has shown flashes of potential and even posted a triple-double in one of his four starts during the 2024-25 campaign, the Nuggets may be reluctant to hand him an increased role. If that’s the case, Denver could target another young guard to compete for playing time in the backcourt.

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Kings’ Devin Carter named trade target for Nuggets

Nathaniel Holloway of Athlon Sports recently put together a list of his top trade targets for the Nuggets, including Devin Carter, the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

“Another point guard the Nuggets could target is Devin Carter of the Sacramento Kings who showed flashes of being a key player during his rookie campaign,” he wrote. “Of course, Carter struggled at times during his rookie season, especially on the offensive end, but he is a great defender who could bring a boost to Denver’s backcourt.”

Carter is still a work in progress, but he was a standout player in his final collegiate season at Providence and could compete to become Murray’s primary backup. The 23-year-old struggled with efficiency during his rookie season after missing significant time to begin the campaign after undergoing shoulder surgery in July 2024. He shot just 37.0 percent from the field and 29.5 percent from three-point range.

As of now, the Kings have Malik Monk and Dennis Schroder to run the point. However, they also drafted Nique Clifford with the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, who impressed in Summer League and earned Summer League First Team honors. He’s a versatile guard who can also play on the wing.

If the Kings are willing to move on from Carter after a lackluster rookie season, Denver could take a chance on the 6-foot-2 guard.