The Los Angeles Lakers fired the first shot. The Phoenix Suns retaliated just a few days later. Now, it seems every other relevant Western Conference squad is trying to figure out a way to make deals of their own before February's trade deadline.
There's a feeling of urgency, bordering on desperation, manifesting at a level the NBA has never experienced. And given the fact this year's Western Conference may be the most competitive in the history of the NBA, it's hard to fault the Nuggets or anyone else for feeling the urge to make a deal. However, Denver should think long and hard about giving up Linas Kleiza, a player who is currently in high demand, in any deal this month.
The Sacramento Kings would prefer Kleiza be included in any deal for Ron Artest. The Nuggets aren't keen on the idea and would likely prefer to give up J.R. Smith instead. Right now, every potential trade the Nuggets are looking at is still in the very early stages of negotiation. However, at some point in the next nine days, one team is going to call the other team's bluff and a definitive package is going to have to be hammered out. And when it's all said and done, does it make sense for the Nuggets to give up Kleiza for a player like Artest if that's the final asking price?
It's easy to get excited and say yes. And for this year, it might make the Nuggets better. Artest's ability to defend would be especially advantageous come playoff time. But would such a move result in an NBA championship? Certainly it would improve Denver's chances, but there is no such thing as a sure thing in the Western Conference this season. Make no mistake about it, though, if the Nuggets trade Kleiza for Artest or anyone else, they darned sure better win it all. Otherwise, the deal may very well come back to bite them in the future.
Kleiza has gotten better every season he's been in the league, and he's still just 23 years of age. He can score inside and out, and he possess an almost perfect mix of confidence and toughness. Perhaps most important from Denver's perspective, he understands how to thrive on the floor with other superstars. In other words, he can be highly effective without having to be "the man."
Look, no player -- especially not a third-year pro who averages 12.2 points and 4.5 rebounds -- is untouchable as we've already seen with all of the big names changing locations over the course of the past couple of seasons. As such, this little ditty is not meant to imply Denver shouldn't trade Kleiza if the right deal presents itself. That said, the Nuggets have to make sure they don't get caught up in the moment and give up too much for any player during this trade season.
If the asking price is too high, they can't be afraid to walk away from the table. Failure to do so could result in the franchise swimming in a sea of regrets for some time to come.
