The Denver Nuggets may look at a Ty Lawson trade after Emmanuel Mudiay was drafted in the first round, as Lawson has been mentioned in rumors for the Sacramento Kings and if he is traded, Kenneth Faried could be moved as well and that would push Mudiay into the starting lineup for the Nuggets this season for general manager Tim Connelly.
The Nuggets are in the middle of a rebuild and that is why Lawson and Faried have come up in trade rumors this offseason. According to Chris Broussard at ESPN, George Karl is interested in acquiring Ty Lawson in a trade along with Faried, as he was the coach for both players in Denver. The Kings reportedly allowed DeMarcus Cousins to look for trades, but the team is not pushing for a deal, while Karl is looking to make some major moves on the roster.
Right now it looks like the Kings are keeping Cousins, but Lawson still could be a fit for the team. The Kings have been looking for point guard help and there were reports that the team could trade Rudy Gay to clear cap space to sign Rondo, or trade Gay to get Lawson. Karl feels that Lawson can step up and be a strong starter for the Kings and the Nuggets may look at making a deal, as Lawson has been a disappointment over the last couple years. Connolly said that the team was thrilled to get Mudiay, as they expected him to be a top five pick and that also could push Lawson out.
According to Mark Kiszla at the Denver Post, the drafting of Mudiay likely means the end of the road for Lawson in Denver. Mudiay has size and athleticism and he could be the player that the team starts to build around. Adding to the intrigue is Lawson, who went to social media and said "I'm going to Sacramento" after the Mudiay pick. Lawson averaged 14 points and six assists last season and Karl could look at getting him if Rondo signs elsewhere. The Nuggets likely would be willing to give up Lawson, but they may not trade Faried if Cousins is not involved.
Chad Ford at ESPN called the Mudiay move a great pick for the Nuggets and it likely means that the "this Ty Lawson things gotta end" now with the selection. The Denver Post reported that Connolly was "giddy" after making the Mudiay pick and that could be the main factor in the move with Lawson. The Kings could be active in free agency and if they sign Rondo, a deal with Lawson is likely out. But Lawson could also be a target for the Knicks, Celtics and Lakers if a deal doesn't get done with the Kings.
Karl could end up getting fired after all the drama in Sacramento, so that will likely play out before the Kings push for a deal with Lawson. Connolly called the social media post by Lawson "poor judgment" and if he ends up staying in Denver into the season, he likely will be a top trade candidate this season at the deadline. Mudiay has been compared to John Wall based on his size and while he will need time to develop, scouts think he can be a starting point guard in the NBA.
Check here for more on a potential move with Lawson after the Mudiay pick.
