The Denver Nuggets are still riding high off Nikola Jokic’s MVP-level brilliance, but cracks have started to show in the foundation of their championship-caliber core. Jamal Murray’s inconsistency has raised real concerns, Michael Porter Jr. has plateaued, and the supporting cast hasn’t delivered at the same level since their 2023 title run.
With the Western Conference rapidly evolving, teams like Oklahoma City and Houston on the rise, Denver can’t afford to stand still this summer. That’s why a trade for Washington’s underappreciated duo (Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart) could be the savvy move that retools Denver into a more complete threat.
Proposed Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Khris Middleton, Marcus Smart
Washington Wizards Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, Peyton Watson
The Washington Wizards are deep in rebuild mode and open for business when it comes to moving their veterans, while Denver needs depth, toughness, and shot creation – exactly what Washington’s veterans can provide. Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart are two players who find themselves on the Wizards after their teams (Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies, respectively) traded them, and they clearly would be better on a title contender.
If the Nuggets want to keep their title window open with Jokic in his prime, bold moves are needed. And this one could quietly be a game-changer. Let’s run through what this trade would look like for all parties involved.
Denver Nuggets Boost Their Depth Chart With Defense And Experience
If there’s one lesson the 2024-25 Denver Nuggets have learned, it’s that depth and defensive versatility matter more than ever in a stacked Western Conference. Adding Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart would be a serious injection of veteran leadership, perimeter defense, and playoff-tested experience.
Middleton, though not quite the All-Star he once was, still averaged 11.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on 47.5% shooting. He can play off Jokic seamlessly and knock down big shots when the offense stagnates. Meanwhile, Smart remains a defensive menace (1.1 steals per game), vocal leader, and someone with experience to steady the second unit.
This deal would give Denver flexibility and matchup options they sorely lacked this season. Marcus Smart could slide into a sixth-man role or close games in three-guard lineups next to Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook (assuming he returns next season), instantly upgrading Denver’s point-of-attack defense.
Middleton, meanwhile, adds the kind of steadying wing presence that Michael Porter Jr. hasn’t consistently offered, especially in high-pressure moments. His defensive IQ, combined with Smart’s fiery presence, could give the Nuggets one of the most reliable veteran duos off the bench in the league.
The Nuggets currently sit in the middle of the Western Conference pack and have lost too many games due to unreliable bench production and defensive lapses. This trade wouldn’t just address that, it would also signal that Denver is committed to maximizing Jokic’s prime. They’ve already got their superstar.
Now it’s about building the kind of rugged, smart roster that can get through a gauntlet of postseason matchups. Smart and Middleton know what it takes. And if Denver wants another parade in the next two years, these are the kinds of moves that make it possible.
Washington Wizards Commit To A Fresh Rebuild
This trade would mark a clear pivot for the Wizards: out with the established veterans, and in with the youth movement. Michael Porter Jr., while inconsistent, remains one of the most talented young scorers in the league, averaging 18.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while shooting 39.5% from deep in 2024-25.
Porter Jr. has upside, especially for a rebuilding team with minutes and shot opportunities to spare. A change of scenery could help unlock the kind of offensive centerpiece Washington has lacked since Bradley Beal’s departure.
Zeke Nnaji and Peyton Watson are interesting flyers for a team looking to develop young talent. Nnaji has shown flashes as a rim-running big and pick-and-roll partner, averaging 6.4 points and 4.1 boards in limited minutes. Watson, meanwhile, brings defensive length and athleticism on the wing, a prototype that teams are always hunting for in the modern NBA.
Neither is a finished product, but both could develop into rotation players with consistent minutes in D.C. This trio gives the Wizards a strong start toward building a new, versatile core under head coach Brian Keefe.
Perhaps most importantly, this deal clears the deck financially. Middleton and Smart are both on hefty contracts, and flipping them for younger, cost-controlled players sets the Wizards up for cap flexibility in 2025 and beyond. Washington likely isn’t competing for a playoff spot anytime soon, but that’s the point. This move would commit them fully to a long-term rebuild instead of clinging to veterans.
An Interesting Trade Scenario That Could Work For Both Sides
This is the kind of trade that raises eyebrows at first glance but makes a lot of sense when you zoom in on the details. Denver parts with a younger, more explosive scorer in Michael Porter Jr., but they gain two veterans who have played in the NBA Finals, bring defensive intensity, and know exactly how to operate next to stars.
They shift from a “Big 3” model to a more balanced, seasoned roster, something championship teams often rely on down the stretch. For a team with championship aspirations and one of the best passers in league history in Nikola Jokic, smarter basketball often beats flashier basketball.
For Washington, this is finally a chance to lean into what they should be doing: developing talent. Michael Porter Jr. gives them a legitimate scoring option to build around, and at 26, he’s still entering his prime. Zeke Nnaji and Peyton Watson aren’t headliners, but they’re high-upside depth pieces who could flourish with regular minutes and developmental attention.
This deal gives the Wizards three players 25 or under while offloading pricey veterans who no longer fit the direction of the team. It’s a patient move, yes—but the Wizards have to play the long game to get back to relevance.
The beauty of this deal lies in its clarity. The Nuggets get older but better, more playoff-ready, and tougher defensively—essentially doubling down on this championship window.
