Arron Afflalo works against Utah’s Alec Burks in a game earlier this season. (Rick Bowmer, The Associated Press)
The Nuggets are holding firm to seeking a first-round pick from teams wanting to trade for shooting guard Arron Afflalo, according to NBA sources.
There have been no takers, although interest remains high for Afflalo’s services. Teams don’t want to relinquish a first rounder for a player that might walk on them at the end of the season. Afflalo has a player option for the final year of his contract.
It is a snag that prevented Afflalo from being dealt to Charlotte, sources said. The Hornets had been interested in acquiring Afflalo to add firepower to a team that ranks 27th in the NBA in scoring, at just over 94 points per game. The trade deadline is Feb. 19.
The Nuggets have already acquired two first-round picks, both coming from Cleveland as part of the Timofey Mozgov trade.
Afflalo, who has been battling sickness, is second on the Nuggets in scoring at 14.9 points per game. He’s also averaging 3.5 rebounds per game. His shooting percentages have slipped a bit under the unfamiliarity with the system and his teammates, though Afflalo remains a capable scorer from anywhere on the court.
Meanwhile, interest in Wilson Chandler remains high from teams around the league as well.
Follow Chris Dempsey on Twitter @dempseypost or email him at cdempsey@denverpost.com
