NBA Trade Verdict
Nuggets Win
Denver received George Irvine; rights to David Thompson from Virginia Squires (ABA), sending Mack Calvin; Mike Green; Jan van Breda Kolff in return.
July 14, 1975 Denver Nuggets / Virginia Squires Record confidence: High
Denver Nuggets Received
- Player George Irvine
- Draft Rights rights to David Thompson
Virginia Squires Received
- Player Mack Calvin
- Player Mike Green
- Player Jan van Breda Kolff
Trade Analysis
Denver acquired the rights to David Thompson, the ABA's 1976 MVP and the franchise's first true superstar, while surrendering three useful veterans. Thompson immediately drove Denver to the ABA Finals and became a Hall of Famer; the return was franchise-defining. The combination of peak performance and years of team value makes Denver's advantage clear.