The Denver Nuggets have very high expectations for the 2024-25 NBA season despite the loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the offseason and a rather unimpressive 14-11 record as things now stand. Nikola Jokic is off to another MVP-caliber campaign by averaging a near triple-double (31.0 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 9.8 APG), Russell Westbrook has thrived in a bench role, and Mike Malone knows how to motivate his guys for another run at a championship.
However, with the Western Conference stacked with strong teams, including the OKC Thunder, Dallas Mavericks, and Memphis Grizzlies, the Nuggets must refrain from resting on their laurels and make a move to climb into the top seeding in the conference. After all, the franchise cannot afford to waste Nikola Jokic’s sheer dominance.
For the Nuggets to take another level in terms of their roster, they will likely have to include sharpshooter Michael Porter Jr. (18.4 PPG, 7.1 RPG) in trade talks, whether they would like to or not. We have collected the primary, secondary, must-avoid, and alternative targets that the Nuggets will likely focus on before the trade deadline, and let’s break them all down.
Primary – Jimmy Butler
If there’s one player who embodies playoff intensity, it’s Jimmy Butler. The Nuggets need that kind of firepower and leadership alongside Nikola Jokic to contend against a loaded Western Conference. Despite dealing with constant trade rumors, Butler is averaging 18.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in the 2024-25 season while maintaining his trademark defensive tenacity. His ability to step up in big moments, as evidenced by his incredible runs with the Miami Heat, makes him the perfect fit for Denver’s championship aspirations.
With the Nuggets struggling to find consistent offensive production outside of Jokic and Jamal Murray, Butler’s ability to create his own shot is critical. He’s shooting an efficient 55.2% from the field while also getting to the free-throw line at an elite rate. Imagine Butler driving into the paint, drawing double teams, and kicking it out to Jokic or Murray for open looks—a nightmare scenario for opposing defenses.
Beyond the stats, Butler’s competitive edge could inject a new sense of urgency into Denver’s somewhat inconsistent regular season. Known for holding teammates accountable, Butler’s leadership could be the spark the Nuggets need to elevate their collective focus.
The Nuggets would likely have to put forth a package including Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, Julian Strawther, DaRon Holmes, a first-round pick, and a first-round pick swap to get the deal over the line. It’s a bold move, but pairing Butler with Jokic could transform Denver from contenders to outright favorites.
Secondary – Brandon Ingram, De’Andre Hunter, Cam Johnson
Since the New Orleans Pelicans are dangling nearly every one of their star players in trade talks, Brandon Ingram represents a younger, more versatile scoring option who can fit seamlessly into the Nuggets’ system. This season, Ingram is putting up 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game while shooting 37.4% from deep. He’s the type of player who can score at all three levels and ease the offensive load off Jokic and Murray. Moreover, his length and agility make him a useful defender against the bigger wings dominating the West.
The Nuggets would love Ingram’s ability to play in transition and execute in half-court sets. Picture Jokic orchestrating the offense with Ingram cutting to the basket or curling off screens for mid-range jumpers. However, there are concerns about his durability—Ingram has missed chunks of games in recent seasons. Denver must weigh his upside against potential availability issues.
Otherwise, De’Andre Hunter’s value lies in his versatility as a 3-and-D wing. Averaging 20.1 points and 4.0 rebounds this season, he may not be a star, but he’s the kind of complementary piece that championship teams covet. He’s shooting 44.1% from three and regularly takes on the toughest defensive assignments. Hunter’s skill set would allow Denver to match up better against dynamic scorers like Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Another strong option is Cam Johnson. He offers elite spacing, connecting on 42.2% of his three-point attempts in the 2024-25 season while averaging a career-high 19.1 points per game. His role as a sharpshooter would perfectly complement Jokic’s elite passing.
Johnson’s skill of stretching the floor gives Denver the option to run smaller lineups while keeping the paint open for Jokic. Additionally, Johnson has improved his defensive awareness, making him more than just a one-dimensional player. The Nuggets have already been thinking about a trade involving Johnson and Porter Jr., so time will tell if they can get a deal over the line.
Must Avoid – Zach LaVine, Jordan Poole
While Zach LaVine’s scoring prowess is tempting, his defensive liabilities make him an ill-fit for Denver’s system, especially if the franchise has to sacrifice Porter Jr. to make this deal happen. Despite averaging 22.0 points this season, LaVine’s tendency to gamble on defense and lose focus in key moments could hurt the Nuggets in the playoffs. Denver doesn’t need another high-usage scorer; they need a two-way player who can complement their existing stars.
Additionally, LaVine’s contract is a financial albatross, limiting Denver’s flexibility in building their roster. Committing to LaVine could jeopardize their ability to add other key pieces in the future. He’s the wrong player at the wrong price for a team that’s looking to maximize its championship window.
Another player the Nuggets must avoid is Jordan Poole. He is a flashy scorer, but his inconsistency makes him a gamble. While averaging 20.8 points this season, his efficiency—just 43.6% from the field and 41.2% from three—is questionable. The Nuggets thrive on smart decision-making and efficiency, areas where Poole often struggles. Moreover, his defensive lapses would make him a liability in a playoff setting where every possession matters.
Poole’s high turnover rate (3.5 per game) further complicates his fit in Denver. With Jokic already anchoring the playmaking duties, adding a player like Poole, who can be reckless with the ball, could disrupt the team’s rhythm. The Nuggets should steer clear of this potential headache.
Alternative – Kyle Kuzma, Bogdan Bogdanovic
Kyle Kuzma is not having his best season, averaging 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, but we know what he can do as evidenced by his averages of over 21 points per game over the last two seasons. He’s a capable scorer who can play multiple roles, whether as a spot-up shooter or a secondary creator. His defensive effort has improved, making him a more well-rounded option. Kuzma may not be a game-changer, but he’s a reliable piece who could solidify Denver’s rotation.
His personality and championship experience with the Lakers also bring intangible benefits. Kuzma knows what it takes to win, and his ability to perform under pressure could prove valuable for a Nuggets team that’s hungry for another deep playoff run.
Meanwhile, Bogdan Bogdanovic is an underrated option who could provide instant scoring off the bench. This season, he’s averaging 11.3 points and shooting 33.7% from three, making him a perfect fit for Denver’s pass-heavy system. His ability to run secondary pick-and-rolls and hit timely shots makes him an appealing alternative if bigger moves fall through.
The only downside to Bogdanovic is his age (32), which might limit his effectiveness in the long term. However, as a short-term fix for Denver’s depth issues, he’s a low-risk, high-reward option. Bogdanovic could be the steadying presence Denver needs to stabilize their bench unit and make a strong playoff push.
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