NBA transfer rumors: The Denver Nuggets may already be looking for transfer targets to strengthen their backcourt.

The Denver Nuggets enter the 2024-25 NBA season with hopes of returning to being championship contenders. However, that will be easier said than done after losing a key part of their core. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signed as a free agent with the Orlando Magic this summer, creating a large void for the Nuggets at the shooting guard position.

While the Nuggets are not expected to consider a trade to fill this void before the start of the season, a move at the trade deadline could be a route Denver ultimately takes.

According to a recent report, Vasilije Micic could already be on Denver’s radar at the trade deadline. Micic played well for the Charlotte Hornets in the second half of last season (averaging 11 points on 44 percent shooting from the field), and he was able to replicate that performance for Serbia at the Olympics.

As the Nuggets look for possible ways to add depth to their backcourt, Micic could be a player they choose to acquire.

After losing KCP, one could argue that Denver’s biggest question entering the new season will be who can fill that vacant role. Although KCP isn’t exactly known as a player who received much credit for the Nuggets’ success, his absence will be greatly felt by the team this season.

If the Nuggets want to emerge as championship contenders again this season, it’s fair to assume that someone will have to fill that role effectively. While the Nuggets have a few candidates on their roster that could fill the void left by KCP, that’s far from a guarantee at this point.

At least for now, Christian Braun is listed as the Nuggets’ new shooting guard, with Julian Strawther as his backup. While Braun has significantly more playing experience than Strawther, expecting Braun to be a full-time starter for a championship contender for an entire season may be a little unrealistic.

That’s why it would make sense for the Nuggets to explore the transfer market, especially if there are problems at that position. Could the Nuggets pull off a move for Micic? Sure, but there’s no doubt they’ll have to move some money around to make it work. There’s no doubt they’ll try to make it work, but it might be unlikely. If nothing else, this report suggests the Nuggets are willing to add a player before the transfer deadline.

Whether they will find the right goal that makes sense both financially and on the pitch remains to be seen.