The offseason has been full of Jamal Murray mock trades, and the latest for the Denver Nuggets to consider would certainly change the makeup of the team. The trade would provide depth and additional defense while maintaining a win-now structure for the Nuggets. If the Nuggets were committed to making real changes this offseason, this is another good trade to consider.
The newest idea comes from Ryan Blackburn at Mile High Sports, and it's a whopper of a three-teamer involving the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers. It doesn't quite pass the trade machine, but it's close enough, and the financial wizardry that NBA front offices can employ should be able to get this one across the finish line.
Nuggets receive: Franz Wagner, Goga Bitadze, Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knect and Jake LaRavia.
Magic receive: Jamal Murray and DaRon Holmes II.
Lakers receive: Christian Braun, Noah Penda, 46th pick of the 2026 draft via the Magic, and the 49th pick via the Nuggets.
The Nuggets would have the same luxury tax issues they currently face, but they would definitely be deeper and better on defense after this trade.
The Nuggets should think about this trade idea
The gem of the trade is Wagner. Wagner is a 6-foot-10 wing who is still developing his offensive game and plays strong defense. He's not going to be an OG Anunoby stopper, but he's a big upgrade over Braun, and it would allow the Nuggets to shift Peyton Watson to shooting guard. Wagner averaged 24.2 points for the Magic in 60 games two years ago, but the knock on him is staying healthy. Wagner has played just 94 games over the last two years.
This is an idea that really improves the Nuggets' defense. Vanderbilt is a very solid defender who can make an immediate impact for the Nuggets' second unit. He's versatile and can guard the opposing team's best player, and he can take on pretty much any position in a switch.
Bitadze would anchor the non-Nikola Jokic minutes, and he'd be a better defender than Jonas Valanciunas was. LaRavia and Knect would be solid bench depth and support, perhaps replacing Bruce Brown in that role.
The hole at point guard can be filled by the first-round draft pick
There would obviously be a hole at the point guard slot, but the Nuggets could draft a point guard with their first-round pick in this year's NBA draft and hope for the best with the rookie paired next to Jokic.
FanSided's NBA Draft Big Board has both Bennett Stirtz and Christian Anderson as possible point guard options the Nuggets could get at the 26th pick. It's a gamble, but at least this idea would give the Nuggets a win-now chance instead of just dumping salary and fielding a less competitive team.
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