The Denver Nuggets' offseason began early after a quick playoff exit, and it hasn't taken long for the dust to settle and the rumor mill to kick into gear. The first chatter brings a surprising swap of the Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown for Jamal Murray. It's a very interesting idea, and it shows that it'll likely be a blockbuster of sorts that moves Murray from Denver.
As it should be. Murray is coming off the best season of his career, his first All-Star appearance, and he's got a good shot to make his first All-NBA team this year as well. But it was reported that nobody on the roster is safe, and the initial buzz begins with the Nuggets' biggest target. It's a tough reality for Nuggets fans, as Murray is well-loved in Denver.
Jaylen Brown is interesting for the Nuggets if they move Murray
Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports reports that an unnamed Western Conference executive said Jaylen Brown would be a "great match" for the Nuggets and could give the team "more fire, which it needs." The lack of fire really did stand out against the Timberwolves, didn't it? But that wasn't on Murray.
At least this trade idea nets the Nuggets an All-Star in return for Murray. Brown is also coming off a career season, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 71 games for the Celtics.
Brown would be an interesting dynamic wing for the Nuggets that can get to the paint and score, and he plays stellar defense on the perimeter. He'd be an upgrade in that department for the Nuggets.
But a stumbling block to any potential deal would be Brown's large contract. The Nuggets are in the position to listen to everyone but Nikola Jokic because of their own salary issues. Brown will make about $7 million more than Murray next season, and that goes backward for the Nuggets. Of course, there would be some financial wizardry performed by the front office if necessary.
Trading Murray just feels wrong
Murray had a rough series against the Timberwolves, yes. But he shot poorly. Murray was just 26.2% from three during the series after shooting 43.5% during the regular season. That's a steep drop-off, and if a few of those shots fall, we may not be having the conversations we are having today.
Murray and Jokic are one of the greatest two-man games in NBA history. Nuggets fans love Mal. We know he had a rough series. The duo has been together for a decade. It would just feel wrong to see someone else in the backcourt in Murray's place. But that's the business, unfortunately, and the business side of the Nuggets may decide who they put on the court.
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