Nuggets stand pat, Lakers get Luka and insanity reigns at NBA trade deadline

Nuggets Ink

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Bennett Durando and sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after the NBA trade deadline. Among the topics discussed: + For the second year in a row, Calvin Booth opted to stand pat at the NBA trade deadline. Is the inaction an indication the Nuggets general manager is happy with his roster? Or did he lack options to upgrade a team looking to win a second title in three seasons? + Peyton Watson is out for a month after what at first blush appeared to be an innocuous injury. How worried should the team be about his availability for the playoffs? + Head coach Michael Malone opted to keep Russell Westbrook in the starting lineup and send Christian Braun to be bench after Aaron Gordon rejoined the starting five. How motivated is Braun in the wake of the demotion? And did Malone make the right call? + With trade season now officially complete, the fellas hand out grades for the most significant deals, including the shocking blockbuster that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Producer: AAron Ontiveroz Music: "The Last Dragons" by Schama Noel