The Denver Nuggets are just one year removed from their first NBA title, but with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, they remain a threat to be a Western Conference power once again next season.
But do they need to shake things up to rejuvenate for another run?
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report has suggested a three-team blockbuster trade that would switch up a piece of the Nuggets’ core, but probably extend their window with a financial break. It would look like this:
Denver Nuggets Receive:
- F Cam Johnson
- F Ziaire Williams
Detroit Pistons Receive:
- F Michael Porter Jr.
Brooklyn Nets Receive:
- F/C Isaiah Stewart
- SG Tim Hardaway Jr.
- 2025 second-round pick (via Toronto Raptors)
- 2027 second-round pick (via Detroit Pistons)
The Nuggets swap out Porter Jr. and the $115 million left on his contract for Johnson, who has $68 million to go on his deal. A $47 million savings, without really sacrificing too much on the court. Johnson carries a 39.2% three-point mark in his career, while making himself into a 14-15 ppg scorer. Porter is a 41% shooter from long range while averaging in the 16-17 ppg range.
Williams is a young player they can get a look at, then his contract comes off the books next summer.
For the Pistons, who finished dead last in three-pointers made last season, could really use a long-range gunner like Porter Jr. to help spread the floor for the talented young Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
As for the Nets, they get a potentially promising big man in the middle in Stewart, some second-rounders and an expiring $16 million contract in Hardaway Jr. that they can use as trade fodder later in the season.
Who says no?
