Denver Nuggets Ready To Deal 2015 Draft Picks

The Denver Nuggets are looking to improve the team this offseason and will start by exploring options for their two picks in Thursday's NBA Draft. Tim Connelly, the Nuggets’ general manager, has stated that they will be aggressive in the draft and are considering dealing away picks No. 7 and 57 in the draft, which will be held in Brooklyn, New York.

"We want to be aggressive. We're looking at any and all scenarios, and we've already proactively made a lot of those calls. We'll see what we can do to make it interesting and hopefully give coach the best team possible," Connelly told the Denver Post.

Newly hired head coach Mike Malone is expected to have an input in the Nuggets’ draft decisions. Malone, who coached the Sacramento Kings last season, signed a three-year deal with a fourth year option, according to reports. The Nuggets fired previous head coach Brian Shaw after the club finished 30-52, its worst mark since the 2002-2003 season when they had 17 wins.

Assuming there are no surprises in the early part of the draft, the Nuggets will most likely choose from among Mario Hezonja, Trey Lyles, Cameron Payne, Stanley Johnson and Willie Cauley-Stein.

Among the key players under contract for the Nuggets next season are Ty Lawson, Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried, Wilson Chandler and Jusuf Nurkic.