Denver trades Doug McDermott to Chicago for two first-round picks

Denver has agreed to trade forward Doug McDermott to Chicago for the No. 16 and 19 picks, according to reports. The Bulls -- who will also get forward Anthony

Denver has agreed to trade forward Doug McDermott to Chicago for the No. 16 and 19 picks, according to reports. 

Doug McDermott has been traded to Chicago for 16 and 19, sources told ESPN.

— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 27, 2014

The Bulls -- who will also get forward Anthony Randolph in the deal -- were rumored to be interested in moving up to add a capable scorer, as they ranked among the league’s worst offenses last season. Chicago is also considered a candidate to land forward Carmelo Anthony in free agency.

A three-time first-team All American, McDermott averaged 26.7 points for Creighton last season. While the 6-foot-8, 219-pound forward showcased a diverse offensive game throughout his college career, there are questions about his ability to defend at the next level. The Bulls finished fourth in the East with a 48-34 record before being bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the Washington Wizards.

The Nuggets selected international big man Jusuf Nurkic with the 16th pick and former Michigan State guard Gary Harris at 19.​ Harris, a dogged defender with a smooth shooting stroke, is considered one of the most well-rounded players in the draft​. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound guard earned first-team All-Big Ten honors last season.

At 6-foot-11, 280 pounds, Nurkic lacks mobility but is an effective finisher from close range. The Bosnia native, who averaged averaged 11.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in the Adriatic League last season, has been compared to Minnesota's Nikola Pekovic.

Earlier Thursday, Denver reacquired guard Arron Afflalo from Orlando for guard Evan Fournier and a second-round pick. ​

Trade grades:

Chicago: A-

The Bulls filled a huge need with a shooter like McDermott, who can supply the offense they've needed on the wing. McDermott was a guy they'd targeted, they'd talked to Denver about moving up, and they pounced when he fell out of the top 10. By dealing two picks for one, they also freed up a roster spot and some cap space to aid their pursuit of Carmelo Anthony. Chicago accomplished exactly what it set out to do tonight.

Denver: B+

Denver scored two quality prospects in Jusuf Nurkic, regarded as the second-best center prospect in the draft, and Gary Harris, who had been projected higher and fell all the way to 19. It's a nice haul for the Nuggets, who inject young talent to a middling roster. There are some questions, though – the Nuggets just grabbed Afflalo and now add Gary Harris at his position. If Harris proves he can handle point guard duties behind Ty Lawson, it'll help his case here. Nurkic is still a ways from being ready and there's risk built in with him. Still, Denver did well for itself and should be pleased with this move.