It would have been hard to believe not too long ago, but the Denver Nuggets reportedly have “significant” interest in adding Zach LaVine via trade. The Nuggets are determined to make a trade to upgrade the roster and find more offensive creation.
Of the players available on the trade market, Zach LaVine is one who certainly fits the bill. But for the Nuggets to make any meaningful addition, they’ll have to start with longtime starter, Michael Porter Jr. to make the money work. That’s a big sacrifice, and it’s fair to wonder if that’s worthwhile for a player like LaVine.
Sure, LaVine has a great offensive package, but he’s a liability on defense, he comes with a massive contract, and he has a history of injuries with no proven track record of contributing to winning. There is much for the Nuggets to consider with LaVine and apparently enough that the Nuggets’ front office is split on whether it would be best to pursue LaVine at all.
If the team chooses not to deal for LaVine (or the Bulls don’t want to deal with Denver), the team could still look to upgrade by dealing Porter Jr. They may be better suited, instead of going after one player with a big contract like LaVine, to try and turn MPJ into multiple solid players and fortify the depth.
Here are five trade packages the Nuggets could go after by offering Michael Porter Jr. that would improve the team far more than dealing for Zach LaVine.
Package #1: Cameron Johnson + Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are having a fire sale and these two big wing three and d players would be great fits in Denver. The Nets will likely be seeking draft compensation, so Denver would have to sweeten the deal with a pick or some swaps down the road. MPJ could also be rerouted to a third team in this scenario with the Nets getting picks and prospects.
Pacakge #2: De’Andre Hunter + Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks
Hunter is having an excellent year in Atlanta, but they may welcome Porter Jr., the Atlanta native. Hunter would be a good, versatile defender, athlete, and shooter who could fit really well. It’s a bonus that the Nuggets could add Jokic’s friend and fellow Serbian, Bogdanovic in the deal.
Bogey is having a down year in Atlanta, but he could easily be revived by playing alongside the Joker in the States for the first time; the two already have great chemistry from the Serbian National Team.
Package #3: Bruce Brown + Kelly Olynyk, Toronto Raptors
Old friend and fan favorite Bruce Brown would be welcomed back to Denver with open arms. He hasn’t played at all this season, but Nuggets fans know exactly what he’d bring to the mix and he could immediately help on both ends of the floor.
Adding a rock-solid backup big man who can really space the floor and bury threes would also be a huge addition for the Nuggets and Olynyk would easily be the best backup big man this team has had in years.
Package #4: Collin Sexton + Jordan Clarkson + Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz
Denver may not have the assets to add all three of these players, but the Jazz will definitely be willing to deal. Sexton is a solid defender and creator who could run the offense for stretches. Clarkson is more of a microwave scorer, but either one could be a great lift for the Nuggets’ offense in spurts.
Kessler would be a great backup big man, a true rim runner, and rim protector on the other end. He’s also still young and raw, someone who could learn from Jokci and potentially be a building block for years to come.
Package #5: Kyle Kuzma + Jonas Valanciunas, Washington Wizards
The Wizards are racing to the bottom as fast as anyone and they’d love to part with two good veteran players like Kuz and Jonas. A three-and-d wing and a solid backup big man would do wonders for the Nuggets. Kuzma could give the team most of what they’re getting from MPJ and Valanciunas would be a gargantuan upgrade at backup center.