NUGGETS, WIZARDS SWAP FOUR
The Denver Nuggets acquired guard/forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and guard Ish Smith from the Washington Wizards for guard Monte Morris and forward/guard Will Barton.
What does it give the Denver Nuggets
For Denver, this deal is about an upgrade at wing. Barton started many games for the Nuggets but "KCP" offers a winning pedigree and more intangibles. Expect Caldwell-Pope to start for Denver in 2022-23. Smith was a throw-in who may or may not make the Nuggets out of training camp.
What does it give the Washington Wizards
For Washington, landing Morris gives them a decent starting point guard (he took over for the injured Jamaal Murray as Denver's starter last season and did not look out of place). As for Barton, he could slide into Caldwell-Pope's old role with the Wizards. Or, he may end up as part of Washington's bench in '22-23.
Fantasy impact
Morris should have as much value in Washington as he did as a starter with Denver last season. He has late-round draft value at this point. Caldwell-Pope could be even better with Denver if he sees quality minutes (which is expected). Barton is on the fringes of fantasy relevance, while Smith has no fantasy value at present time.
