The 16-11 Denver Nuggets have struggled to return to their peak form after winning the 2022-23 NBA championship, mainly because of the constant weakening of their roster every offseason. After losing Bruce Brown and Jeff Green last year, they saw Kentavious Caldwell-Pope depart this summer. Nikola Jokic is doing his thing, currently the favorite for his fourth MVP award by posting 30.9 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game, but he is not getting enough help.
Jamal Murray is not having his best season, posting 19.1 points and 6.1 assists per game on 34.6% from three, but he remains untouchable because of his proven track record in the playoffs and also his massive contract ($50,422,680, $54,456,494, and $58,490,308 over the next three seasons). Aaron Gordon is the team’s defensive identity and cannot be moved either, leaving Michael Porter Jr. as the current “sacrificial lamb” should the Nuggets make a major roster change.
Porter Jr. is posting 18.3 points and 6.9 rebounds per game on 38.8% from three, and at 26 years old, has a very high trade value. The Nuggets will have to use Porter Jr. in any major trade talks this summer, and we have collected the five players they could acquire by doing so.
A Superstar Big Three With Jimmy Butler
Potential Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Jimmy Butler, Alec Burks, Josh Richardson, Pelle Larsson
Miami Heat Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, Dario Saric, DaRon Holmes II, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap, 2031 First-Round Pick (DEN)
Adding Jimmy Butler to the Nuggets creates one of the most formidable Big Threes in the NBA. Butler’s postseason reputation as “Playoff Jimmy” would bolster Denver’s championship hopes, providing them with an elite two-way wing who can take over games when needed.
His toughness, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure would be invaluable in high-stakes playoff battles. Pairing Jimmy Butler with Jokic and Murray would instantly make the Nuggets favorites in the West.
Butler’s defensive prowess is a massive upgrade over Porter Jr. While MPJ has improved on that end, he’s still not a stopper. Butler’s ability to guard the league’s best wings and take on tough assignments would relieve Aaron Gordon, who’s been overburdened defensively.
With Butler on board, Denver’s defense transforms from solid to elite. Offensively, Butler’s midrange scoring and slashing add a dimension to Denver’s attack that Porter’s spot-up shooting can’t replicate.
However, this deal would cost Denver future flexibility. Moving MPJ and a first-round pick is no small price, and Butler is 35 years old. Butler also has a $52,413,394 player option next season, and there is never a guarantee he will stay in Denver.
Still, the Nuggets have a generational talent in Jokic and need to maximize their championship window. If Denver wants to win another title now, Butler is the answer.
Increased Scoring And Athleticism With Zach LaVine
Potential Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Zach LaVine, Julian Phillips, 2028 Top-10 Protected First-Round Pick (CHI)
Chicago Bulls Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji
Zach LaVine brings exactly what the Nuggets need: elite athleticism and scoring punch. Averaging 21.7 points on 49.8% shooting from deep this season, LaVine gives Denver another dynamic offensive option to complement Jokic and Murray.
His ability to create off the dribble and finish at the rim would unlock new dimensions in Denver’s offense, especially in transition, where LaVine thrives. Imagine Jokic tossing outlet passes to LaVine for highlight-reel dunks—the fit is electric.
The Nuggets also benefit from LaVine’s durability. While Porter Jr. has struggled with injuries throughout his career, LaVine has been relatively healthy this season with 26 appearances.
His consistency ensures that Jokic won’t be left carrying the load during critical stretches of the season. Additionally, LaVine’s presence would help space the floor, as defenses can’t afford to leave a sharpshooter with his quick release open.
That said, defense could be a concern. LaVine isn’t known for his defensive tenacity, and losing Christian Braun—a promising young defender—compounds that issue. Lavine is also making $45,999,660 next season with a $48,967,380 player option in the following season, so his hefty salary could be a concern.
Still, the Nuggets’ offensive ceiling with LaVine might outweigh the defensive trade-off. If Denver is willing to sacrifice some future assets for immediate firepower, LaVine is a great target.
A 2-In-1 Featuring Cam Johnson
Potential Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Michael Porter Jr., 2026 First-Round Pick Swap
This is the pragmatic trade for the Nuggets, prioritizing fit over star power, which is why the franchise has been in talks with the Brooklyn Nets over this deal. Cam Johnson might not be a household name like the others on this list, but he’s a perfect complementary piece for Denver.
Johnson is shooting 42.3% from deep this season while averaging a career-high 19.1 points per game, making him a better floor spacer than Porter Jr., and his ability to defend multiple positions provides Denver with the 3-and-D wing they’ve lacked.
Johnson’s low-maintenance style is ideal for a Jokic-led team. Unlike Porter Jr., who sometimes forces shots and disrupts the offensive flow, Johnson thrives on catch-and-shoot opportunities and cuts to the basket.
He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact, allowing Jokic and Murray to dominate possessions while he quietly racks up efficient points. Johnson is also on a team-friendly contract, making $20,543,478 and $22,500,000 over the next two seasons.
Meanwhile, Dorian Finney-Smith brings excellent two-way play on the perimeter and posting 10.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, is putting up some solid numbers. The Nuggets need to replace the departed Caldwell-Pope and Finney-Smith can fit that role as close as possible while Johnson replaces Porter Jr’s shooting.
This trade also improves Denver’s financial flexibility. Johnson and Finney-Smith are on more manageable contracts, giving the Nuggets room to tweak the roster further. While this move may not grab headlines, it balances Denver’s roster and strengthens them in ways that make a championship repeat more plausible.
A Risk By Acquiring Brandon Ingram
Potential Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, 2026 First-Round Pick Swap, 2031 First-Round Pick (DEN)
Brandon Ingram’s silky scoring and playmaking skills would give Denver a tantalizing offensive upgrade which is why he is a strong target for the Nuggets. Averaging 22.2 points and 5.2 assists this season, Ingram is more versatile than Porter Jr., capable of running the offense when Jokic rests and taking over games in clutch moments. He’s shown flashes of being a true No. 1 option and pairing him with Jokic’s playmaking could make Denver’s offense downright unguardable.
The fit isn’t perfect, though. Ingram is most effective with the ball in his hands, which could disrupt the Nuggets’ fluid offensive system. That said, his midrange mastery and ability to score at all three levels give Denver another go-to scorer, easing the burden on Jokic and Murray in tight playoff games.
The real risk lies in Ingram’s durability. Like Porter Jr., Ingram has struggled to stay healthy, and trading a fragile star for another with similar concerns might not solve Denver’s depth issues. There is also the risk Ingram walks for free since he is a free agent next season, once his contract paying him $36,016,200 in 2024-25 expires.
Still, if Ingram can stay on the court, his upside justifies the gamble for a team in win-now mode. Luckily for the Nuggets, Ingram could be a very possible trade option since the Pelicans are ready to trade almost everybody.
A Last-Ditch Attempt By Acquiring Kyle Kuzma
Potential Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Marvin Bagley III
Washington Wizards Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Kyle Kuzma is the “safe” trade target for Denver, but that doesn’t mean it’s uninspired. Kuzma is a versatile forward, averaging 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds this season, and is on a team-friendly contract that pays him $21,477,272 and $19,431,819 over the next two seasons.
He’s a capable scorer, solid rebounder, and underrated defender who could fill multiple gaps in Denver’s lineup. While he doesn’t bring the star power of the other names on this list, Kuzma’s all-around game and playoff experience make him a reliable piece for a title run.
Kuzma’s biggest advantage is his flexibility. Unlike Porter Jr., who is mostly a scorer, Kuzma can defend multiple positions, create his own shot, and crash the boards effectively. His ability to play off Jokic as both a cutter and spot-up shooter fits Denver’s system seamlessly and his toughness adds a needed edge to the team’s identity.
Marvin Bagley III has appeared in 19 games this season, posting 4.9 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, and will be mainly used as a trade filler. He can still provide backup minutes for the Nuggets should the franchise choose to keep him on the roster.
That said, Kuzma (and Bagley) doesn’t drastically elevate Denver’s ceiling. He’s a great complementary piece but not a game-changer. This trade feels more like a lateral move than a bold step forward. Still, if the Nuggets are looking for a dependable, durable upgrade without mortgaging their future, Kuzma is a smart choice.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.
