With the Denver Nuggets locked in a tense 2-2 second-round battle against the Oklahoma City Thunder, questions are beginning to swirl about what’s next for the Mile High franchise should they fall short of a repeat title run.
If Denver fails to advance past the second round for the second time in four years, it might finally push them into taking a major risk, one that involves sending away a key piece of the core in pursuit of elite offensive firepower.
Proposed Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Zach LaVine
Sacramento Kings Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, Hunter Tyson
Why Should The Nuggets Consider It?
On the surface, the deal is explosive. Denver would be acquiring Zach LaVine, a dynamic scoring guard who, despite his injury history and defensive limitations, remains one of the NBA’s most efficient high-volume shooters.
After being traded midseason from the Bulls to the Kings, LaVine put up 22.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting a blistering 51.1 percent from the field and 44.6 percent from three. His shot creation, transition ability, and deep shooting make him a tailor-made scoring threat next to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
For the Nuggets, the reasoning is clear: they need more halfcourt creation, especially when opposing defenses lock in on Jokic during the playoffs. LaVine gives Denver a three-level scorer who can take over stretches offensively when Jokic is off the floor or facing constant double teams.
Unlike Michael Porter Jr., who thrives primarily as a spot-up shooter, LaVine can generate buckets in isolation, off screens, or attacking the rim, a skillset Denver has lacked on the wing.
However, this move comes with risk. The Nuggets would be giving up Porter Jr., who averaged 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 50.4 percent shooting from the field and 39.5 percent from three this season. Porter is younger, taller, and more cost-controlled than LaVine and has steadily grown into a reliable third scoring option behind Jokic and Murray.
Yet, his inconsistent defense and lack of on-ball creation have led to postseason frustrations, and in a stacked Western Conference, Denver may decide it needs a jolt to reassert itself as the team to beat.
This Trade Can Help Out The Kings
For the Kings, this deal could be a blessing in disguise. After missing the playoffs and trading away De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento is at a crossroads. LaVine may not align with their new direction, and his massive salary could be better allocated elsewhere.
Swapping him for Michael Porter Jr. gives the Kings a younger, more versatile offensive piece who can grow with Keegan Murray. Porter’s ability to stretch the floor and rebound adds a dimension the Kings have lacked at the forward position.
Zeke Nnaji brings rim protection and energy to a Sacramento team short on frontcourt depth. Hunter Tyson, a promising shooter with solid size, could develop into a key rotation piece in a few years.
This trade would signal Sacramento’s commitment to a more balanced, flexible rebuild around players with upside and scalability.
The potential trade could be a win-win if both teams are looking to pivot, as this allows Denver to maximize its championship window, Sacramento to build a younger, more flexible core. Still, with LaVine’s injury history and massive contract, Denver would be placing a huge bet that his offensive firepower can elevate them back to the top.
If the Nuggets fall short against Oklahoma City, it might be a bet worth making.
