For those closely watching the Denver Nuggets, it’s clear something is amiss.
Nikola Jokic is having one of the all-time great seasons nearly averaging a 30-point triple-double but it’s translated to a merely adequate 14-10 record, which puts them fifth in the West. That pace would be good for 48 wins, well short of the 53 and 57 wins from each of the past two seasons.
More importantly, as currently constituted, this team looks short of genuinely being able to beat the likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics in a seven-game series.
Looking for a boost, The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Tony Jones reported the Nuggets are prioritizing offensive help and have expressed interest in or held preliminary trade discussions for the following players:
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Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls)
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Jordan Poole (Washington Wizards)
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Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz)
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De’Andre Hunter (Atlanta Hawks)
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Cam Johnson (Brooklyn Nets)
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Jonas Valanciunas (Washington Wizards)
The report also indicated that discussions surrounding LaVine have been the most significant, a two-time All-Star averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season. The biggest complication is his salary. The 29-year-old is owed $43 million this season, $45.9 million next season and a player option worth $48.9 million for 2026-27.
For a player with a serious injury history, that’s a major risk to take on, but also indicative of the desperation the Nuggets feel right now.
Because of the money involved, Michael Porter Jr. would be the biggest piece heading the other way as he earns $35.9 million this season, $38.3 million next season, and $40.8 million the year after that. The 26-year-old is averaging 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 38.5% from three.
Like LaVine, both Poole and Clarkson offer volume scoring with a significant outside shooting threat, the latter being a major issue for the Nuggets as they rank last in the league in 3-point frequency. All three players are below average defenders, though.
Atlanta’s Hunter would offer consistent scoring, depth at the wing position and at least net neutral defense. Brooklyn’s Johnson would offer 3-point volume at the forward position and is a solid defender. He is highly coveted by a number of teams, though.
Valanciunas is unlike the others, a traditional center who would be a major upgrade at the backup big position, where Dario Saric and DeAndre Jordan currently function for Denver. The Lithuanian is an efficient scorer who would offer a strong pick-and-roll partner for the likes of Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook.
