We’ve talked about it to no end, but the truth becomes no less ominous every day; if the Nuggets are going to meaningfully improve the roster this season, they are going to have to trade Michael Porter Jr. MPJ is a critical part of the team; his shooting and rebounding would be tough to replace.
But that’s the only tradeable contract on the team that may have any shred of value around the league. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are ineligible to be dealt during the season after recently signing extensions, Jokic obviously isn’t going anywhere, and every other rotation player is on a minimum contract or a rookie deal.
Porter Jr. is making a tick under $36 million this season, which is the Nuggets’ only real path to matching salary in a deal that could return something helpful. There were rumors about sending MPJ out for a bigger star like Zach LaVine or even Jimmy Butler, but those never seemed realistic.
Another option would be for Denver to take back multiple role players who could improve the team’s overall depth and versatility. This could be as simple as two solid players being better than one given the Nuggets’ bench woes.
Dorian Finney-Smith no longer an option after trade to Lakers
One possible deal that had some appeal to the Nuggets and seemed realistic would have involved trading Porter Jr. to the Nets (or a third team) along with some future draft capital or swaps and receiving Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith.
The deal would have given the Nuggets two strong three-and-D wings who can make an impact on both ends, fortifying the starting lineup and the bench. The Nets were known to be looking to sell and this seemed like it could have some legs if the Nuggets were aggressive.
But that’s no longer an option after the Nets dealt Finney-Smith to the Lakers on Sunday along with Shake Milton. The Nets took back D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three 2nd-round picks from LA.
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed on a trade sending D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, sources told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/V175zGtmKW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 29, 2024
Sadly, due to the Nuggets’ poor management of assets, they weren’t really able to make a deal like this. The team squandered all of their available 2nd-rounders and they don’t have any contracts on the roster in the 10s or 20s of millions. They’ve handicapped themselves in a way and it’s going to be tough to rectify the situation.
The Nuggets still have plenty of time to make a move, but we’re seeing targets come off the board already. Everyone in Denver seems to know a change is needed, perhaps they should act before the rest of their options come off the board.