Overview

• Denver reshaped its rotation by trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cameron Johnson and adding Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valančiūnas.
• Russell Westbrook declined his option and is not expected back, leaving Jalen Pickett as the tentative reserve behind Jamal Murray and prompting outside suggestions for help.
• Proposed targets from writers include Indiana’s T.J. McConnell for playmaking, Phoenix’s Royce O’Neale for 3-and-D depth and Sacramento’s Devin Carter as a defensive prospect at guard.
• Aaron Gordon downplayed his hamstring’s effect on the Thunder series, issued a confident message about Denver’s return and lauded Nikola Jokic as possibly the best ever.
• Preview pieces frame Denver as a leading contender after shoring up shooting and backup center minutes, with some predicting the Nuggets are primed for a Finals run.