Denver Nuggets acquire 2 1st-round picks from Cleveland Cavaliers for center Timofey Mozgov

The Denver Nuggets made a move Wednesday afternoon which in my eyes should be the first of many. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, NBA Insider for Yahoo Sports, the Nuggets agreed to terms with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a deal involving center Timofey Mozgov. In exchange for Mozgov, the Nuggets will receive 2 1st-round picks for the native of Russia – a steal in my eyes.

While many will be disappointed with the trade of Mozgov, it was a good move moving forward for this club. Two first-round picks for a slightly above-average center? I’d do the same. Mozgov is a solid rim protector and rebounder, but receiving two first-round picks for a player averaging just 8.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game is quite the snag.

There is a twist to the two first-round picks, however. Cleveland will be sending Denver two picks which are in control from the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder (one they just acquired the other night). Adrian Wojnarowski breaks down the projections on the picks Denver will receive.

So in essence, Denver is receiving a pretty good haul for Mozgov. So where does Denver go from here? As far as rotations go, I’d probably see Brian Shaw sliding J.J. Hickson into the starting center role unless he believes rookie Jusuf Nurkic is ready for the task. Ultimately at this point, a Kenneth Faried – J.J. Hickson, and Darrell Arthur – Jusuf Nurkic rotation is ideal.