After the playoff defeat, Jokic hinted at a plan that could shake up the NBA!

The Denver Nuggets have reached a critical juncture in their franchise timeline. After a promising season that showcased the brilliance of Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP and arguably the most complete big man in basketball, the team fell short once again in the second round of the NBA playoffs. This time, it was the rising Oklahoma City Thunder who extinguished Denver’s title hopes. Despite the talent-heavy roster and championship pedigree, questions about the team’s future have surged.

At the heart of these conversations is the question: How can the Nuggets optimize their roster around Nikola Jokic to ensure deeper playoff success? The whispers around the league suggest that Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht may be a vital piece of that puzzle.

Back-to-Back Playoff Letdowns Raise Red Flags

After clinching the NBA title in 2023, the Denver Nuggets entered the 2024-2025 season with the weight of expectation. With their championship core intact—including Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr.—many predicted a repeat or at least another trip to the Western Conference Finals. However, the team’s performance in the postseason told a different story.

Their second-round exit to the Oklahoma City Thunder marked the second consecutive season that Denver has failed to reach the Conference Finals. Jokic put up MVP-level numbers throughout the series, but lapses in bench production and perimeter defense haunted the team once again.

The loss stung not just because of its abrupt nature, but because it seemed all too familiar—a team with elite talent at the top but lacking in bench depth and late-game execution.

The Nikola Jokic Dilemma: Too Much Weight on One Superstar

Nikola Jokic continues to dazzle with his rare combination of size, vision, and scoring touch. His ability to control the game from the high post or the top of the key remains unmatched. However, even generational talents need help. The playoffs exposed how overly dependent the Nuggets have become on Jokic’s genius.

While Jamal Murray has shown flashes of postseason brilliance, injuries and inconsistency remain concerns. Michael Porter Jr., for all his athleticism and shooting touch, has yet to develop into the kind of reliable No. 2 option that Jokic needs deep in a playoff run. Aaron Gordon remains a solid defender and finisher, but his offensive ceiling is limited.

The takeaway? The Nuggets don’t necessarily need another star—they need players who can complement Jokic’s skill set, space the floor, and knock down shots when it matters most.

Enter Dalton Knecht: A Potential Game-Changer

Amid this backdrop of disappointment and reflection, a surprising name has emerged as a potential solution: Dalton Knecht of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Knecht, who averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds over 19.2 minutes per game during his rookie season, may not be a household name just yet. However, his impact on the court tells a compelling story. With a shooting percentage of 46.1% from the field and 37.6% from three-point range, he profiles as an elite catch-and-shoot option—exactly what the Nuggets need.

Playing alongside Nikola Jokic, one of the best passers in the NBA, a player like Dalton Knecht could thrive. Jokic’s ability to draw defenders and deliver pinpoint passes creates ideal conditions for shooters. Adding Knecht to the rotation would offer the Nuggets an immediate offensive boost off the bench.

Strategic Priorities: Depth Over Star Power

The Denver Nuggets front office, led by general manager Calvin Booth, appears to be taking a measured approach to the offseason. Rather than hunting for another superstar—a move that would require significant financial maneuvering and likely sacrificing depth—the focus seems to be on fortifying the bench and improving shooting efficiency.

This strategy makes sense. The NBA has increasingly become a league of specialists, and teams with deep, versatile benches tend to outlast their top-heavy counterparts in the playoffs. Dalton Knecht, with his efficient scoring and low usage rate, offers exactly that.

In the high-stakes world of playoff basketball, every possession counts, and having a reliable shooter on the second unit can be the difference between advancing and going home.

Dalton Knecht’s Fit in the Nuggets’ System

What makes Dalton Knecht an especially intriguing option for Denver is how seamlessly he could fit into Michael Malone’s system. The Nuggets emphasize ball movement, unselfish play, and floor spacing—all areas where Knecht excels.

Unlike other bench scorers who need the ball in their hands, Knecht thrives without it. His ability to relocate along the perimeter, come off screens, and shoot with a quick release makes him a perfect fit in a Jokic-led offense.

Defensively, he’s not yet elite, but he has the physical tools and work ethic to become a respectable team defender. Surrounded by veterans like Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Knecht could develop quickly on that end of the floor.

Trade Possibilities: Can Denver Get It Done?

Of course, acquiring Dalton Knecht from the Lakers won’t be straightforward. Los Angeles may not be keen on moving a promising young shooter, especially after a season where the team struggled to space the floor consistently.

However, Denver possesses a few valuable trade chips, including expiring contracts and young players like Peyton Watson or Christian Braun. Whether or not these pieces are enough to convince the Lakers will depend on how both teams assess their long-term strategies.

If a deal can be structured around financial flexibility and player development potential, it’s possible that a Dalton Knecht-to-Denver trade could become a reality.

Denver’s Offseason Outlook: Precision Over Panic

The Nuggets don’t need to blow things up. They still have Nikola Jokic in his prime, one of the most dominant forces in the league. They still have Jamal Murray, whose clutch shot-making remains an asset. What they need is refinement, not revolution.

Adding a player like Dalton Knecht wouldn’t grab headlines the way a superstar trade would, but it might do more to help Denver reclaim its championship form. By prioritizing depth, shooting, and role-player excellence, the Nuggets are signaling their intention to play smarter—not louder.

Nikola Jokic’s Legacy: Contender or Cautionary Tale?

There’s a growing urgency surrounding Nikola Jokic’s championship window. At 30 years old, he’s in the absolute prime of his career, putting up stats and performances that will go down in NBA history. But history is not always kind to brilliant players who don’t win multiple rings.

Think of Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, or Steve Nash—transcendent talents who couldn’t break through the playoff gauntlet. Denver’s front office knows that keeping Jokic happy and competitive requires consistent, strategic moves to maintain a contender status.

That’s why every offseason matters. And that’s why a low-key acquisition like Dalton Knecht could end up being far more important than fans might expect.

Conclusion: A Defining Summer for the Denver Nuggets

As the 2025 NBA offseason unfolds, the Denver Nuggets face a defining moment. They are not a team in crisis—but they are a team in need of careful recalibration. Nikola Jokic remains the centerpiece, a basketball savant capable of anchoring a dynasty. But no player can do it alone.

By exploring smart, strategic additions like Dalton Knecht, the Nuggets are demonstrating a nuanced understanding of what it takes to win in today’s NBA. They’re not chasing headlines—they’re chasing wins.

Whether or not they land Knecht, the message is clear: Denver is not satisfied with second-round exits. The team is evolving, learning from its past, and positioning itself for a brighter future.

For fans and analysts alike, this offseason promises to be a revealing chapter in the Nuggets’ ongoing quest for sustained greatness. And with Nikola Jokic leading the charge, the best may still be yet to come.