5 players Denver Nuggets might replace Michael Porter Jr. with by the trade deadline
By Ben Handler
3.) LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
This one would be a bit of a shocker and not something we’ve heard many rumors about but don’t rule this one out. Ball has shown glimpses of stardom but has also been hampered by injuries constantly.
Meanwhile, the Hornets have stumbled into another young star in Brandon Miller and the new ownership group may be less attached to Ball. They may be willing to sell high on Ball if they don’t believe in his long-term feasibility. They may want to get off of Ball’s deal and truly rebuild around Miller, Mark Williams, and their other young talent.
Ball’s fit in Denver may be a bit awkward, but the talent would be hard to pass up. If he can stay on the court, he could get more on-ball reps and allow Murray to play off the ball and look for more shots off of movement.
A move like this could give Denver one of the most talented lineups in the entire league. Ball wouldn’t have to do as much with Murray and Jokic around, but his size would work alongside Murray on the defensive end as well.
This trade would be out of left field, but it’s the kind of all-in move that would show that the Nuggets are firmly committed to Jokic and contending for titles in the next few years at any cost.