This swap gives the Nuggets a nice boost for their playoff push. Currently holding down the West's eighth and final postseason berth, Denver significantly bolsters its depth with the above-average Plumlee. His arrival should let rising star big man Nikola Jokic move from center to power forward (with Plumlee likely taking over as the starting center). The cost of making the playoffs might be a bit steep, though; the protected first-round pick plus Nurkic--who is seen by many as one of the NBA's more promising true centers--is a lot of potential to yield. Still, kudos to the Nuggets for going for it.

It's hard to like this trade for Portland in the short term, but equally hard not to like it for next season. The Blazers risked losing Plumlee for nothing this off-season (since he's a pending free agent) and Nurkic has the raw talent to be a near-elite true NBA center. Since Nurkic has another season after this one on his affordable contract, adding him and a first-round pick is an impressive haul for Plumlee. It does mean Portland's chances of making the playoffs this season diminish significantly, however, since Plumlee was a key guy for the Trail Blazers.

Plumlee's fantasy value should remain identical with Denver to his value with Portland--that is, he's a serviceable starter-level fantasy option. Expect Denver big men Kenneth Faried and Darrell Arthur to see fewer minutes than usual. Things get more interesting on Portland's roster, since Nurkic will compete with several other intriguing options to take over Plumlee's significant minutes at center. Nurkic himself is worth a speculative add (for his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking potential), while Al-Farouq Aminu, Ed Davis, Meyers Leonard, and Noah Vonleh are also worth monitoring closely.