The Denver Nuggets are preparing to make changes to the roster this offseason, and those changes should include exploring an offer with the Boston Celtics after their bid to land Giannis Antetokounmpo fell through. Jaylen Brown isn't necessarily getting shopped, but the Celtics' willingness to trade Brown in the right package has been signaled as a "yes."
But do the Nuggets even have the right package available for Brown? Maybe? Brown's large contract hurts, so the Nuggets would likely have to package Jamal Murray to fit Brown, but who else would the Nuggets package for the five-time All-Star?
What would a Brown for Murray trade look like?
Brown is set to make $57 million in 2026-27, compared to Murray's $50.1 million, so the Nuggets instantly have to package someone else with Murray to get the trade to work under the trade constraints as a first apron team. Cameron Johnson or Christian Braun make the most sense to package with Murray from a money standpoint, and the Nuggets could still package their 2026 first-round pick in the deal as well.
Murray's value has never been higher, coming off his first All-NBA Third Team and first All-Star selection, and the Celtics could cover for him on defense with Derrick White and Jayson Tatum. Plus, the Celtics could cover the extra salary of Braun or Johnson.
Alternatively, would the Celtics even consider a Braun and Johnson package for Brown? That would certainly be a pipe dream for Nuggets fans. If it would take Peyton Watson to put it over the top with Johnson, the Nuggets should still do it.
They would need a point guard if packaged with Murray, but the latest draft intel from The Stein Line and Jake Fischer (subscription required) think that the Nuggets would select a point guard at their 26th pick, if they held onto it.
The Nuggets should look at Derrick White as an alternative to Brown
Derrick White would be a fantastic option for the Nuggets at point guard and would probably be an even better fit for them both defensively, and because the Nuggets could get a package in return for Murray. Something like Sam Hauser and White for Murray would save the Nuggets' cap space and upgrade the defense and depth chart. It would be a great trade for the Nuggets despite the downgrade in offense.
Defense wins championships, and the Nuggets have to improve on their 21st-ranked defense from last season to get a chance at contender status again. Murray was awful against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs, and the Nuggets' perimeter defense has to improve for 2026-27. The only way that happens is with some change via trades, and the Nuggets would be wise to at least reach out to the Celtics to see what they're thinking with Brown or White.
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