The Denver Nuggets seem to be peaking around the corner of greatness again. After a strong 2024-25 regular season and a thrilling push that saw Nikola Jokic finish second in MVP voting, expectations were sky-high.
Yet, their playoff run stalled in the second round at the hands of an explosive Oklahoma City Thunder squad. Despite scorching averages, a 29.6 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 10.2 APG triple-double this season, Jokic’s load has become too heavy to solo-carry Denver deep into the postseason.
With the internal struggles of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. underperforming when it mattered most, Denver’s ceiling felt capped by a lack of secondary firepower and consistent bench thrusts. Coach Mike Malone’s dismissal and front-office shake-ups only confirmed the urgency: this is a recalibration with title urgency.
That’s why this upcoming offseason is pivotal. The Nuggets must focus on ten high-impact targets, via trades, free agency, or smart draft maneuvers, whose skillsets directly relieve Jokic’s burden and fortify perimeter spacing, wing defense, and frontcourt depth.
Let’s dive into the 10 most important targets who will be on the Nuggets’ radar during the 2025 offseason.
1. Zach LaVine
Proposed Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji, Hunter Tyson, 2028 first-round pick swap
A two-time All-Star and a lights-out scorer, Zach LaVine posted averages of 23.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 74 games during the 2024-25 regular season, while shooting an elite 51.1% from the field and 44.6% from three. He’s one of only five players to average at least 23 PPG on 63%+ TS, joining Jokic, Durant, SGA, and Towns, an offensive pedigree Denver craves to pair with their MVP finalist.
His ability to score at volume with elite efficiency makes him a nightmare defensive matchup and a welcome pick-and-pop threat next to Jokic in the half-court. Yet, it’s not all glitz.
LaVine’s defensive reputation is spotty. In Denver’s context, where the Nuggets need a secondary playmaker who can make winning plays, this is a key question. But it’s clear why he’s on the radar when LaVine is locked in, like he was with his 46-point, nine three-pointer eruption in February 2025.
2. DeMar DeRozan
Proposed Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: DeMar DeRozan, 2025 second-round pick (CHI), 2027 second-round pick
Sacramento Kings Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
DeMar DeRozan ages like fine wine at 35, delivering a stellar 22.2 PPG, 4.4 APG, and 3.9 RPG across 77 games this season with the Kings. He hit a career marker in March by becoming just the sixth player in NBA history to average 20+ PPG for 12 consecutive seasons, joining Kareem, Malone, Kobe, Dirk, and LeBron.
Viewed through a fit lens, DeRozan brings veteran leadership and slash-heavy scoring that could balance Denver’s perimeter dichotomy alongside Jokic’s floor-spreading excellence. Historically, DeRozan has handled the Nuggets well, averaging 19.8 PPG, 4.3 APG, and 4.2 RPG across 33 games in his career against Denver.
The proposed trade would only cost the Nuggets Michael Porter Jr., whose underwhelming playoffs make this a feasible exchange. For a Nuggets squad hunting for a reliable go-to wing late in games, DeRozan’s mid-range mastery and seasoned clutch DNA would slot in immediately, especially in crunch time, where Denver often lacks a true second scorer.
3. Jerami Grant
Proposed Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Jerami Grant, 2029 first-round pick (POR)
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
At 31 years old, Jerami Grant remains a switchable wing who blends mid-teen scoring with defensive versatility, averaging 14.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, and 2.1 APG this season for Portland. Though his field-goal efficiency dipped to 37.3% FG and 36.5% 3PT, his career averages (44.9% FG, 36.4% 3PT) hint at a strong floor, especially for a veteran who can stretch and guard multiple positions.
Against Denver over 23 career games, he’s put up 13.3 PPG, 3.4 RPG, and 1.7 APG, proving he can produce in a Nuggets matchup. Contract-wise, he’s locked into a sizable deal (five years, $160M through 2027-28 with a player option), an albatross for rebuilding Portland but less so for contenders who can absorb the cost for rotational wing depth.
A straight-up swap sending MPJ to Portland, for Grant plus a 2029 first-round pick, could be a fit: Denver adds versatile two-way depth next to Jokic, while Portland gets an intriguing young forward with upside and financial wiggle room.
4. Clint Capela
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Clint Capela, though forgotten, is still an elite lob finisher and rebounder. This past season with Atlanta, he averaged 8.9 PPG and 8.5 RPG in just 21.4 MPG, converting a staggering 55.9% of his shots around the rim.
In Denver’s system, especially with Jokic as a playmaker, Capela’s ability to flood the paint with cuts and crash the boards could unlock a potent interior dynamic; his athleticism would also help tame some of the league’s premier bigs in the West. As an unrestricted free agent, he presents minimal risk and contractual flexibility.
Not a shot-blocking savant, he still offers 1.0 BPG and 3.2 OREB per game, enough to disrupt interior flow. At age 31, he remains a reliable, energy-first addition who could anchor Denver’s second unit, giving them finishes at the rim and elite rebounding as Jokic’s backup.
5. Bruce Brown
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Bruce Brown is one of the NBA’s most underrated glue guys. Over the past season, he posted per-game averages of 8.3 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 2.0 APG, all while delivering stout wing defense against higher-tier opponents. His ability to toggle between positions and create downhill gives Denver a Swiss-Army-Knife defender who can plug gaps seamlessly.
A free agent, Brown brings championship floor IQ and high-energy hustle. His presence alongside Jokic could lift Denver’s second unit, adding defensive credibility and transition punch.
In crunch time, he’s that savvy cutter or positional switcher who might not light up the scoreboard, but can swing a possession through an improbable deflection, smart read, or split-second drive. He is also a former champion with the Nuggets in the 2022-23 campaign.
6. Tyus Jones
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Tyus Jones is the epitome of low-key but high-impact veteran kitchen-floor stardom. The point guard posted 10.2 points and 5.3 assists per game, proving he can be a reliable ball-handler, poised to steady Denver’s second unit and allow Jokic to rest without losing direction.
Though his scoring (10 PPG range) isn’t flash-worthy, his craft as a pick-and-roll fixer, controllable tempo setter, and locker-room glue provides intangibles rarely captured in box scores. As a free agent, Jones would arrive cheap, veteran, and ready to steer veteran-laden lineups, one steady possession at a time.
7. Luke Kennard
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Luke Kennard remains a lightning-quick catch-and-shoot specialist who lit up defenses en route to Memphis in the playoffs, averaging 43.3% from three and hitting clutch shots in first-round duels. He averaged 8.9 PPG and 2.8 RPG, demonstrating how an off-ball sharpshooter can elevate spacing in an offense that hinges on Jokic’s gravity.
Entering free agency, he represents a minimal-risk bet on spacing. With Kennard in the fold, Denver could re-craft their offensive identity: let the gravity players (Jokic, Murray) operate within, while Kennard delivers catch-and-shoot artillery from day one. His presence could help open lane-driving lanes and reduce double-team clogging, giving Jokic more room to breathe.
8. Marcus Smart
Proposed Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Marcus Smart
Washington Wizards Receive: Peyton Watson, DaRon Holmes, Dario Saric
Marcus Smart offers high-level defensive intensity and combative win-now energy. Trading for him, via Washington, would give Denver a guard capable of guarding anyone from 1-5 with toughness that defines grit. Smart averaged 9.0 PPG, 3.2 APG, and 1.1 steals per game, dictating his impact beyond the usual scoring box.
Smart’s emotional leadership and playoff battle-worn DNA could be transformative for Denver’s younger pieces, offering on-court fire and veteran instincts that align with a championship culture. His professionalism and no-quit approach would mesh well in late-game rotations, and he could be the better version of a Russell Westbrook replacement.
9. Andrew Wiggins
Proposed Trade Details
Denver Nuggets Receive: Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr
Miami Heat Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Andrew Wiggins balances scoring and switch-heavy defense, making him a prototypical third-star fit alongside Jokic. Though the proposal sends MPJ to Miami, Wiggins brings 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, and an athletic wing frame that thrived in Finals environments.
He averaged 18.0 PPG with the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat this season, slashing without being ball-dependent, a strong complement to Denver’s jigsaw puzzle. His playoff pedigree (six straight postseasons, with Finals experience) enhances locker room credibility.
Wiggins’ defensive metrics, like switch rates and paint points allowed, tilt positive, presenting Denver a player who can guard top-tier 2’s, 3’s, and even small-ball fours. The fact that Jaime Jaquez Jr. (8.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG) could also be involved in the deal means the Nuggets get another swingman who brings size and scoring ability as well.
10. Brook Lopez
Contract Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Brook Lopez is still a unique threat as a 3-and-D rim protector. At age 37, he still averaged 1.9 blocks and hit 37.3% from three across limited minutes, showcasing how spacing and interior floor-wrecking can coexist, even late into a career.
As a free agent, adding a stretch five who can also anchor second-unit defense gives Denver tactical flexibility. Lopez would provide Denver with a dual-identity big: a hedge-and-recover superstar in pick-and-roll sets, and a second-unit rim protector who can roam behind Jokic’s resting-heavy minutes.
In a postseason where rim-control is king, Brook’s analytics profile as a shot-deterrent and spacing engine could help Denver reclaim the West’s toughest interior. At the very least, Lopez can give Jokic a breather and not have a major drop-off.
