Nuggets, Pacers Complete First NBA Trade In Advance Of The Draft

The Champion Denver Nuggets are already making some moves in advance of tomorrow night's NBA Draft, acquiring two picks in the proceedings from the Indiana Pacers.

The Denver Nuggets are trading 2024 first-round pick and 2023 40th pick to the Indiana Pacers for No. 29 and 32 on Thursday, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2023

The Nuggets are surrendering their first-rounder in 2024 (which would likely be a very low pick) plus their 40th pick this year, to acquire the Pacers' Nos. 29 and 32 in Thursday's 2023 Draft. 

The Pacers had already stated that they had no intention of keeping all five picks that they own in the '23 Draft, and have done a nice job consolidating a couple into a first-rounder for next year. 

As the Nuggets prepare for possibility of losing Bruce Brown in free agency, they'll be drafting at No. 29, 32 and 37 on Thursday with a chance to keep gathering up young role players for this championship window. GM Calvin Booth picked Christian Braun at No. 21 last year.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2023

As ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski notes, the Nuggets must prepare for the possibility of losing key rotation piece Bruce Brown after his big decision made earlier today. They've now got three picks from No. 29 through No. 37. 

Fellow NBA insider Tim MacMahon adds that the Nuggets are also optimistic that Peyton Watson, their No. 30 overall pick last year, can be a rotation player for them next season. With three players (Jokic, Murray and Michael Porter Jr.) on max deals, having contributors on rookie contracts and the lower end of the pay scale is critical for Denver.

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