5 players Denver Nuggets might replace Michael Porter Jr. with by the trade deadline
By Ben Handler
Now that the Nuggets have come to terms on a long-term contract extension with Jamal Murray, it feels like the roster is set to enter the 2024-25 NBA season. But we all know, in the modern NBA, the opening night roster can look awfully different by the end of the season.
The league has more player movement than ever and that’s not exclusive to the offseason. There are a number of massive trades throughout the season leading up to the trade deadline every year. Teams may feel good about their rosters today, but things can change in a hurry.
Players who seem off-limit can come available, injuries can arise that necessitate deals, and teams can simply change their minds about the direction of their franchise. The point is, things feel set for now, but this Nuggets team may look completely different a few months from now.
But one thing won’t change and that’s the contract situation for Denver. Now Nikola Jokic and Murray are virtual locks to remain on the team. Aaron Gordon is likely staying put and that will become definite if the team can work out an extension with AG.
That really leaves only one trade chip with a meaningful salary for the Nuggets to play with; Michael Porter Jr. It seems like all roads lead back to MPJ as we began the offseason speculating about trades involving the 26-year-old sharpshooter and now we’re back where we started.
This likely isn’t going to change as MPJ is locked into a max contract that is taking up a massive chunk of the Nuggets’ cap room for a fourth option. He’s young enough and a good enough player that he could still be desirable to other teams, but he’s certainly not going to return a marquee superstar.
If the season doesn’t get off to the best start it would behoove the Nuggets to shop around and see what they can get for Porter Jr. It’s their clearest path to meaningfully upgrading the roster and his salary could bring back a pseudo-star whose current team may be willing to part ways. Here are 5 star players that could become available and could end up coming back to Denver in an MPJ trade before this February’s trade deadline.
5.) Zach Lavine, Chicago Bulls
LaVine has been a very polarizing player over the years. At his best, he’s looked like one of the best shot-creators and scorers in the league with true star potential. But the problem is that he has struggled mightily to stay healthy and on the court and it’s not clear if he’ll ever reach his full potential.
The Bulls have been trying to deal LaVine seemingly forever but they have had no luck. His contract and injury history have been largely disqualifying but the potential is through the roof. If Zach can prove that he’s healthy, he could be an upgrade over MPJ, and playing with the best teammates of his career could truly unlock his offensive potential.