According to SNY NBA insider Ian Begley, Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans is another potential trade target the Denver Nuggets have on their radar. Begley also added that the clearest pathway for Denver to make a trade for a “big scorer with a significant salary” would be to include Michael Porter Jr. in a deal.
NBA Rumors: Zach LaVine Is The Nuggets’ Main Trade Target
The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Tony Jones reported Tuesday that Denver is either expressing interest in or has had preliminary trade discussions on six players: Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls), Jordan Poole (Washington Wizards), Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz), De’Andre Hunter (Atlanta Hawks), Cam Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), and Jonas Valanciunas (Washington Wizards).
Of the six players that Amick and Jones cited, LaVine has the best odds of landing in Denver. League sources informed them that recent discussions on the two-time All-Star have been “significant.”
The 29-year-old is averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season. However, he’s owed $43 million this season, $45.9 million next season, and has a player option worth $48.9 million for 2026-27.
This is part of the five-year, $215.15 million contract he signed with the Bulls in July 2022. His deal also includes a 15% trade bonus. With $89 million remaining on his current deal, perhaps trading for LaVine wouldn’t be Denver’s wisest option from a financial standpoint.
Brandon Ingram Wants A Four-Year, $200 Million Contract
The same could be said about Brandon Ingram, who is in the final season of the five-year, $158.25 million deal that he inked with New Orleans in November 2020. Ingram is owed $36.01 million this season, and his contract also comes with a 15% trade bonus.
Per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, the Pelicans have struggled to find a team that’s willing to take on Ingram’s current salary and meet his future contract demands of a four-year, $200 million extension. A $50 million salary for a squad with Nikola Jokic ($51.41 million) and Jamal Murray ($36.01 million) is nothing to scoff at.
Because Murray signed a four-year, $207.85 million max contract extension in September, this will only make Denver’s cap situation more complicated later down the line. Murray is slated to make as much as $57.52 million in 2028-29.
Should The Nuggets Pursue Jordan Poole Or Cam Johnson Instead?
Both Jordan Poole and Cam Johnson are cheaper, more ideal trade candidates for the Nuggets. Poole is in the midst of a four-year, $128 million rookie contract extension, while Johnson’s deal is a four-year, $94.5 million contract.
Poole would provide extra firepower to Denver’s offense, especially if he returns to his Golden State form. Through 22 games (all starts) with Washington, it would appear that the Michigan product is already there.
The 6-foot-4 Poole is averaging 20.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and career highs of 5.1 assists, 1.7 steals, and 30.8 minutes per game. He’s also shooting 43.4% from the field, a career-best 39.2% from deep, and 86.2% at the foul line.
The Nuggets are in desperate need of frontcourt depth and a sharpshooter. Therefore, Denver should try to acquire both Poole and Valanciunas from the Wizards. Such a trade would fill two needs with one deed.
