Juan Hernangomez
2019-20 Salary: $3.3 million
Juan Hernangomez is having a bit of a rough year with the Nuggets number-wise, but in the past he’s been a good glue guy and proven himself worthy as a versatile big man. Though he’s shorter than Davis and more of a power forward than a center, he could still certainly be used in that position in a pinch.
Not only that, but according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania (paid subscription required), Hernangomez figures to be very much available. The Nuggets expect him to command a hefty pay bump this summer compared to his current salary, and they’re unlikely to keep him around with so many other priorities on the roster.
If they’re looking to shed his salary, though, does it really make sense for them to add Ed Davis? Well, if they believe Hernangomez is set to make more than Davis’ $5 million next year, then adding Davis who will still be under contract at a reasonable rate may still be logical for them. Consider also that there’s speculation of them being willing to deal Mason Plumlee and his $14 million contract, and the Nuggets may very well need a veteran backup center who can simply get in the game and grab rebounds while Nikola Jokic rests.
Considering that Hernangomez is on the slim side of the rotation in Denver, he may welcome a change of pace and an ability to play more of a consistent backup role.
Hernangomez wouldn’t quite fix Utah’s size issue, but he would provide versatility as he could play either forward position or the center spot as required. He’s a solid rebounder and has decent touch as a career 36 percent three-point shooter.
Much like the recent Exum-for-Clarkson trade, while some were skeptical of it, there’s no denying that whatever Clarkson could bring would be more than Exum riding the bench. Similarly, Davis hasn’t been able to do much of anything in a Jazz uniform whereas the Jazz could likely at least get some meaningful production out of Hernangomez.
If the Nuggets are looking to get a cheaper backup center in place after potentially dealing Plumlee and are looking to move Hernangomez anyway, a deal with the Jazz may just make sense. Considering the good fortune Utah has had with trading with the Nuggets, this may be an avenue worth pursuing.