It would be shocking to witness the Denver Nuggets enter the 2026-27 season without a single roster adjustment. After an early flameout in the 2026 postseason, the Nuggets possess both the motivation and the tradeable assets to make a significant splash on the offseason market. According to Yahoo Sports’ Tom Haberstroh, one bold target stands out: Detroit Pistons defensive standout Ausar Thompson.
Haberstroh highlighted a perfect marriage of needs. Denver desperately requires an athletic defender to elevate its perimeter and transition defense, while Detroit seeks an elite shot creator to complement its young core. The fit, Haberstroh argues, is rare among contenders.
“Thompson may be untouchable,” he wrote, “but the Nuggets have to at least make the call if the Pistons are embarrassed by the Orlando Magic with a first-round out. That’s a big if.”
The Proposed Blockbuster Deal
In Haberstroh’s framework, Denver would send Jamal Murray — a 29-year-old NBA champion point guard with a massive contract — along with a future first-round pick to the Pistons. In return, the Nuggets would land not only the 23-year-old Thompson but also sharpshooter Duncan Robinson and versatile wing Caris LeVert.
The headline-grabbing piece of the trade is clearly Thompson. A former lottery pick, he has already established himself as one of the league’s most promising two-way talents. Thompson earned the third-most votes for Defensive Player of the Year in a near-unanimous top-tier conversation, underscoring his rapid rise as a defensive menace.
Why Thompson Is a Monster Fit Next to Jokić
At just 23 years old, Thompson brings explosive athleticism, elite on-ball defense, and rim-finishing ability that would mesh perfectly with Nikola Jokić’s visionary passing. Haberstroh envisions Thompson thriving in the “dunker spot” role currently occupied by Aaron Gordon — only with even more electric potential.
“You thought Gordon in the dunker spot next to Jokić was a devastating threat? Ausar could be even more electric in that role,” Haberstroh noted.
Thompson is already a dynamic defender who disrupts ball handlers and prevents opponents from playing to their strengths. His playoff performance has been eye-catching, averaging 2.3 steals per game. While his perimeter shooting remains a clear work in progress — he is shooting just 20.4% from three for his career and has struggled with long-range jumpers in the postseason — his defensive impact alone makes him a high-upside target.
Should Thompson develop a consistent outside jumper like his twin brother Amen, he has the tools to become one of the premier two-way players in the NBA. Even without that shot today, his physical tools and instincts position him as a transformative addition for a Nuggets team looking to return to championship contention.
Mutual Benefits and Strategic Outlook
For Denver, the move represents a clear shift toward athleticism and defensive versatility while retaining Jokić as the engine of the offense. Adding Robinson and LeVert would provide spacing and secondary creation, helping offset Murray’s departure.
For Detroit, acquiring Murray — a proven playoff performer and champion — gives them the elite shot creator they crave. The addition of a future first-round pick further bolsters their asset base as they continue building around their young core.
While Thompson’s defensive prowess has earned him significant accolades, his youth and trajectory suggest his best basketball is still ahead. Pairing him with Jokić could unlock a new dimension for the Nuggets, turning a solid defense into a truly fearsome unit.
The Nuggets have the pieces and the urgency. If Detroit stumbles early again, this conversation could quickly move from hypothetical to very real. Denver may have just found the defensive cornerstone to build its next championship window around.