The Denver Nuggets were part of a historic moment in NBA history when they participated in the league’s first-ever six-team trade on August 10, 2000. This unprecedented transaction involved a complex exchange of players and draft picks among the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle SuperSonics, Toronto Raptors, and Vancouver Grizzlies.
In this landmark trade, the Denver Nuggets received guard Nick Van Exel, forward Tariq Abdul-Wahad, center Avery Johnson, and a future first-round draft pick. Van Exel was the most notable acquisition for the Nuggets, bringing his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities to Denver. Known for his flashy style and clutch performances, Van Exel was expected to bolster the Nuggets’ backcourt and provide leadership to a young team.
As part of the trade, the Nuggets sent away key players including Keon Clark and the draft rights to Mamadou N’diaye to the Toronto Raptors. The New York Knicks, who were also heavily involved in the trade, acquired All-Star forward Glen Rice from the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Lakers received forward Horace Grant from the Seattle SuperSonics. The SuperSonics, in turn, obtained forward Vladimir Stepania and guard Greg Foster from the Lakers. The Vancouver Grizzlies and Toronto Raptors mainly exchanged role players and draft picks to balance the trade.
The intricacies of this six-team trade demonstrated the growing complexity and strategic nature of NBA transactions. It showcased how teams were willing to engage in multi-faceted deals to improve their rosters, manage salary cap implications, and position themselves for future success. For the Nuggets, this trade was part of their ongoing efforts to rebuild and become more competitive in the Western Conference.
While the immediate impact of the trade did not result in a significant turnaround for the Nuggets, it set a precedent for future multi-team trades in the NBA. The six-team trade of 2000 remains a notable chapter in NBA history, highlighting the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of team building in professional basketball.
