5 players the Denver Nuggets could target before the NBA trade deadline

The Denver Nuggets impressed the entire league last season when they became the only team in NBA history to have multiple 3-1 series comebacks in the same postseason. Their second comeback was against the heavily favored LA Clippers in which they fought back double-digit deficits in all three elimination games.

However, the Denver Nuggets lost four of their first five games this season and are struggling to win games due to lackluster defense. The Nuggets are holding an underwhelming 7-7 record and many analysts believe the loss of Jerami Grant is the reason.

Five players that could help bolster the Denver Nuggets roster

The Denver Nuggets had a relatively quiet offseason. They did not sign any big names, and in fact, lost Jerami Grant, Mason Plumlee, and Torrey Craig. Their defense has gotten worse as they rank 19th in the league in points allowed and 25th in perimeter defense. The NBA trade deadline is on March 25th, 2021, and that gives the Denver Nuggets sufficient time to find the missing pieces.

Here are five NBA players that the Denver Nuggets can target to improve their lineup.

#1 Kevin Love

Kevin Love

The Denver Nuggets need shooting and defense in the frontcourt and Kevin Love could solve both those problems. He is an excellent passer and catch-and-shoot shooter and can lock down multiple positions on defense.

Kevin Love has been linked to the Denver Nuggets several times in NBA trade rumors in the past and according to reports, the Cavaliers are interested in trading the veteran forward.

The Cavaliers surprisingly acquired Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince this afternoon. What's next for Cleveland? Could we see Kevin Love dealt prior to the trade deadline? Come hang out with me, @NekiasNBA and @SpinDavies: https://t.co/7YyyjPCyU3

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) January 13, 2021

Kevin Love has playoff and championship experience. He appeared in four straight NBA Finals with LeBron James from 2015 to 2018. He could be another veteran presence on this roster alongside Paul Millsap and guide this team through possibly another postseason.

#2 Robin Lopez

Robin Lopez with the Washington Wizards

Robin Lopez is a defensive-minded center who knows how to fulfill his role on a team. He is comfortable coming off the bench and although his production on the offensive side isn't noteworthy, he is capable of grabbing boards and protecting the paint.

🎥 Robin Lopez brings an interior presence and a legendary 3-point celebration ☕️👌#RepTheDistrict | @rolopez42 pic.twitter.com/301st6M5Wt

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) November 23, 2020

Robin Lopez is on a favorable $7.3 million deal and given the Washington Wizards' unfortunate start of the season, they might be willing to trade Lopez in exchange for assets. He could be a great backup big man for the Denver Nuggets behind Nikola Jokic.

#3 Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry is one of the most underrated point guards in the NBA. He would provide veteran leadership in the backcourt alongside Jamal Murray and is also a great playmaker and defender.

Kyle. Lowry. 😤His 20 points in the 4th QTR sparked the Raptors 30-point comeback, largest in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/w5pDzbgfYR

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 22, 2019

Lowry is a defensive-minded guard and always gives his best on the floor. He averaged 40+ minutes in his last playoff series against the Boston Celtics last season but wouldn't be needed for that large of a role with Denver. The Toronto Raptors have a young point guard in Fred VanVleet and soon the Raptors' offense will be centered around VanVleet and Pascal Siakam. Kyle Lowry could take on a veteran leadership role in the Denver Nuggets, similar to what Rajon Rondo has done moving to Atlanta Hawks to guide Trae Young.

#4 Cory Joseph

Cory Joseph with the Sacramento Kings

Cory Joseph prides himself in wanting to defend the best player on the opposition and that is exactly what the Denver Nuggets lost when Jerami Grant signed with the Detroit Pistons. Joseph is a backup guard with the Sacramento Kings who are very high on rookie Tyrese Haliburton, hence he gets fewer minutes to play.

Cory Joseph's defense is one of my favorite things. Terrific contest on that Hayward (not so) fast break.

— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) April 18, 2019

Joseph isn't significant on the offensive side of the floor but that wouldn't make much of a difference to the Denver Nuggets as they would utilize him for his defensive prowess.

#5 Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon with the Orlando Magic

Aaron Gordon would be great two-way addition to the frontcourt in the Denver Nuggets lineup and would fit nicely in the middle of Michael Porter Jr. and Nikola Jokic. He would also be a great replacement for Jerami Grant on the defensive side of the floor and would also contribute almost 15 points per game.

A near triple-double from Aaron Gordon! 18 PTS17 REB9 AST2 BLK53.9 FPTS pic.twitter.com/oITfmspO33

— NBA Fantasy (@NBAFantasy) January 18, 2021

He would be an upgrade over Paul Millsap in the power forward position for the Denver Nuggets as he is just 25 years old with a high ceiling. Gordon's presence would take some of the rebounding load off of Nikola Jokic and allow The Joker to focus on other aspects of the game.