2) Will Barton trades with the Chicago Bulls
Making this trade deal work for both sides would entirely depend on how much the Nuggets value getting pieces like veteran forward Thaddeus Young and Hutch into the mix. The Nuggets do have a solid two-way wing on the roster now in Barton, but they are also rather deep at this point of the rotation, and adding Young and Hutch might help add some utility to the bench.
Hutch is more of a true small forward, but he can play at the four in a small ball lineup. He can even play at the two when his outside shot is in rhythm. Hutch does lack that twitchiness and side-to-side explosiveness/agility that can make an otherwise athletic wing a big time threat on the offensive end of the floor.
If he can stay healthy, some of the progression that Hutch put on display in his second year in the NBA could play out well over the long haul.
What the Nuggets would be getting out of Young is pretty predictable. Young is a well-traveled veteran that can play anywhere from the three to the five, depending on if you are a traditional team or the Houston Rockets. It just feels like it was the wrong fit for Young to sign with the Bulls last offseason out of free agency.
This was about the least efficient season that Young had in the last five years of his career. Sending him to a place where he could contribute to a contender and win faster sounds like a good move for all parties involved. And since Harris and OPJ are removed from this particular trade package, the salary matching does work out.