Denver Nuggets Rumors: Kevin Love trade is possible, Carmelo Anthony was interested in a return and more

The Denver Nuggets have struggled for consistency over the past month, although the team appears to have turned a corner after picking up three consecutive wins over the past week. The much-criticized Nikola Jokic appears to be nearing a return to form after almost averaging a triple-double over the past seven days, while Denver also has a favorable schedule over the next two weeks.

While the current roster is well rounded, an ambitious front office may be open to making trades in the coming weeks as they look to consolidate Denver's status as contenders. So, as the trade market continues to heat up, here we will take a look at all the latest Nuggets rumors you need to know heading into Week 9 of the 2019-20 NBA season.

#1 LaMarcus Aldridge could be an option

LaMarcus Aldridge has been among San Antonio's best performers this season

After making a 10-15 start to the season, the San Antonio Spurs are in real danger of missing on the playoffs for the first time since 1997, and many inside the NBA believe that the organization is heading towards a much overdue rebuild. If the Spurs opt to go in that direction, the likes of LaMarcus Aldridge could be made available ahead of the trade deadline, and Frank Urbina of HoopsHype believes that the veteran could be an option for the Nuggets:

With Nikola Jokic off to a slow start this season, Aldridge could be brought in to take some of the pressure off of the 24-year-old. If Denver believes the duo could coexist as a starting frontcourt in the modern NBA, that move could help slide Paul Millsap to a bench role, where he could do some serious damage against opposing second units.

At 34, Aldridge remains among the NBA's elite bigs, and the former Portland man is currently averaging 18.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. The veteran is under contract until the 2020-21 season.

#2 There could be interest in Kevin Love

Kevin Love was made available for trade by the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this week

For the past year, the Cleveland Cavaliers have stated their intention to keep hold of Kevin Love, although reports earlier this month suggested that the Cavs were actively looking to move the five-time All-Star ahead of the trade deadline. Love has subsequently been linked with a move to a number of contending teams around the NBA, and Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer believes the Nuggets are among the organizations considering a move for the 31-year-old:

If Portland receives any competition for Love, it could come from the Denver Nuggets. Though the Nuggets have excelled this season defensively, the offense has sputtered. Trading Paul Millsap, who has an expiring contract, for Love would give Denver long-term security in the frontcourt next to Nikola Jokic.

Despite the Cavs' 6-20 start to the season, Love has continued to perform well, averaging 16.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. However, the forward's four-year, $120 million contract runs until the 2022-23 season.

#3 Melo thought about a return to Denver

Carmelo Anthony says there was truth to the rumors that he could return to the Nuggets

Carmelo Anthony spent his first seven and a half years in the league with the Nuggets before being traded to the New York Knicks back in 2011. With the Knicks, Melo went on to further establish himself as one of the NBA's best players - although his final few years were overshadowed with clashes with the front office, and since departing in 2017, Anthony has endured disappointing spells with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets

With his career in decline, Anthony has been regularly linked with a return to Denver over the past three years, and the veteran told the Denver Post that he had given some thought to a reunion:

I was open to it. We talked about it. People in my circle were like, ‘Go back to Denver.’ If it was that easy I probably would’ve done it. A lot of things came into play when it comes to that, kind of out of my control at that time, the timing was off.

After spending a year away from the NBA, Melo was snapped up by the Portland Trail Blazers last month. He has appeared 12 times for his new team, averaging 16.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.