Minnesota doesn’t need Marko Jaric (but Adriana Lima does). His contract is expensive ($25 million left including this season). By the time the rest of the T-wolves hit their stride, Jaric (currently 29) is going to be too old to be of any use. Finally, Jaric’s not really known as a locker-room leader. He just wants to show up, do his job, then go home to his hot girlfriend (my kind of guy).

But that’s not to say Jaric’s a bad player. His skill set isn’t league leading, but he’s got good range (better than 37% 3pt shooting the last couple of years), he’s a decent passer, and he can play a little “D”. He’s also got good size for a point guard (listed at 6′7″). He provides size, shooting, and above average perimeter defense when he plays.

In other words, Marko Jaric is exactly what the Nuggets need at point guard. He would be a great complement to A.I., he would improve Denver’s shooting, and he’d improve their perimeter defense.

Denver has an expiring contract that Minnesota would want - Eddie Najera’s $5 million comes off the books at the end of the season. Denver also has a decent journeyman PG to trade back in Chucky Atkins, although he’s likely out for the rest of the year (not that Minnesota would care).

Since Denver is probably reluctant to take on the balance of Jaric’s contract, Minnesota would have to part with some of their young talent to make the deal work. Craig Smith would be an excellent replacement for Eddie Najera - he’s a great hustle guy who can do the dirty work. Smith’s contract is up at the end of the year, but Denver should be able to re-sign him without paying him too much (he’s a restricted free agent after all).

So the deal looks like this: Marko Jaric and Craig Smith for Eddie Najera and Chucky Atkins.

Denver’s short-term in this deal looks good - Jaric gives the Nuggets the shooting they were supposed to have with Atkins, better perimeter defense, and one more piece they need to make a run at a championship. The Nuggets salary drops too - about $1.3 million this year, keeping them out of luxury tax territory. Long term, Denver acquires a promising young big man in Craig Smith that might someday start. At the very least, Craig Smith could fill in for Najera for the next few years.

Minnesota wins too — they dump a bad contract in Jaric, take another $5 million off the salary and the end of the year, and solve a playing time problem. Craig Smith is a promising talent, but Minnesota has plenty of power forwards. If Al Jefferson is more productive as a PF, or if Corey Brewer emerges to be a top-tier player, Smith becomes nothing more than a talented backup. Minnesota can replace a back-up PF through the draft or free agency.

Minnesota saves $16 million, Denver avoids the luxury tax, and both teams take a step towards getting better. Of course, this all depends on Nene’s health…if he’s out for the season, Najera’s probably too valuable to trade.