The 2024-25 season is proving that the Nuggets can’t just ride the wave of their 2023 championship anymore. With a 7-5 record, they’re looking shaky, especially when Nikola Jokic isn’t on the court. Those back-to-back losses to the Pelicans and Grizzlies, games Jokic missed for personal reasons, showed just how much this team struggles without him. The offense goes cold, the defense falls apart, and they look like a completely different squad.
Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. have had their moments, but inconsistency has been the story of their seasons so far. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook, brought in during the offseason, hasn’t been the game-changer they hoped for. His defensive lapses and questionable decision-making are starting to feel like more of a problem than a solution.
At this point, it’s clear the Nuggets are way too dependent on Jokic to carry the load. If they want to stay competitive in the West and keep their championship window open, it’s time to make some bold moves. Big trades could be just what this team needs to balance the roster and stop being a one-man show.
Trading Michael Porter Jr. To The Rockets
Nuggets Receive: Jabari Smith Jr., Dillon Brooks
Rockets Receive: Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji
This trade idea could shake things up for both teams: Michael Porter Jr. and Zeke Nnaji heading to the Rockets in exchange for Jabari Smith Jr. and Dillon Brooks. It’s a bold move, but one that seems to address what each team is missing right now.
The Nuggets are 6th in the West, but let’s be honest—things haven’t looked great when Nikola Jokic isn’t carrying the load. They’re still heavily reliant on their MVP, and while Michael Porter Jr. has been solid, averaging 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists on 47.4% shooting, he hasn’t really shown he can be a two-way difference-maker, and maybe a move away could solve that issue. His defense is shaky, and when Jokic is off the floor, the offense tends to stall. Zeke Nnaji, meanwhile, has potential, but he’s been stuck in a limited role and hasn’t had the chance to really prove himself.
On the other side, the Rockets are figuring out their rebuild, trying to put together a roster of young talent that can grow into something special and make the postseason. Adding MPJ to their core would give them a dynamic scorer who could thrive alongside Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. At 26, he’s still young enough to fit their timeline but experienced enough to bring some consistency to their offense and make a postseason push. Nnaji also brings upside as a young forward who could get more minutes in the Rockets’ rotation.
For the Nuggets, this deal would bring in two players who fit their needs perfectly. Jabari Smith Jr. has been solid this season, averaging 11.7 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 42.0% from the field. He’s a versatile forward with defensive upside and a developing offensive game, which would pair well with Jokic’s elite playmaking. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact, which makes him an ideal fit for the Nuggets’ system in that MPJ role, adding quite more defense at the wing.
Then there’s Dillon Brooks, averaging 12.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. Love him or hate him, Brooks brings a level of defensive grit and intensity that the Nuggets could really use as a KCP replacement. He’s a proven defender who can take on tough assignments on the perimeter, which would ease the burden on Jokic and allow the team to focus more on their offensive flow. Brooks also has the experience and personality to bring an edge to a Nuggets squad that could use a bit more toughness.
This trade gives the Nuggets a chance to diversify their roster and address their overreliance on Jokic, while the Rockets add a high-upside scorer and another young piece for their rebuild. It’s a win-win that helps both teams move closer to their goals.
Moving Aaron Gordon To The Wizards
Nuggets Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Corey Kispert
Wizards Receive: Aaron Gordon
This trade could be a win-win for both the Nuggets and the Wizards. Aaron Gordon has been a huge part of what the Nuggets do, but with his recent calf strain keeping him out, now might be the perfect time to retool a bit. Gordon’s been averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists this season, shooting a strong 52.9% from the field. His defense, athleticism, and ability to thrive off Jokic’s playmaking have made him essential in Denver, but they’ve also got some holes they need to fill, especially when it comes to scoring depth and outside shooting.
The Wizards, on the other hand, are an absolute mess right now. They’re sitting at 2-9, and it’s clear this season isn’t about wins—it’s about figuring out how to build a real team. Gordon would bring them a defensive anchor they desperately need. He’s versatile, he’s experienced, and he could help teach guys like Jordan Poole and Bilal Coulibaly what it takes to play winning basketball. Plus, he’s still a solid offensive weapon who can cut, finish at the rim, and play in transition.
For the Nuggets, adding Kyle Kuzma and Corey Kispert could be just what they need to balance the roster. Kuzma’s been putting up 17.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists through seven games this season. Sure, his shooting has been shaky (40.5% from the field and a rough 19.6% from deep), but he’s a guy who can create his own shot, something the Nuggets could really use alongside Jokic. His ability to play both forward spots adds a ton of flexibility for the Nuggets, and let’s be honest—he’s got the confidence to take big shots when it matters.
Then there’s Kispert, who’s quietly been solid for the Wizards. He’s averaging 11.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over 12 games while shooting 40.7% overall and 32.6% from three. Those numbers might not pop out, but his ability to space the floor and hit open looks fits perfectly with how the Nuggets play. Imagine him getting clean kickouts from Jokic all night—that’s a recipe for success.
This deal gives both teams something they desperately need. The Nuggets get more scoring options and some reliable spacing to take pressure off their stars. The Wizards, meanwhile, finally get a defender and leader in Gordon who can help them build a more balanced squad moving forward. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of move that makes sense for where both teams are right now.
Why The Nuggets Should Keep Jamal Murray
The Nuggets have a lot riding on Jamal Murray, even though his start to the 2024-25 season has been underwhelming by his standards. Through nine games, Murray is averaging 17.3 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.3 rebounds while shooting 39.9% from the field and just 30.5% from three-point range. Those numbers are far from the efficiency and playmaking that made him such a key piece during their championship run in 2023. But here’s the thing—trading him now would be a mistake, and it’s all about timing.
Murray’s current value on the trade market is at its lowest. His shooting struggles, combined with concerns over durability, would make it hard for the Nuggets to get a return that matches his true worth. This isn’t just about the numbers—this is a guy who thrives in high-stakes moments, something he proved time and again in several playoff runs. His chemistry with Nikola Jokic is off the charts, and that’s not something you can easily replicate with a new player, no matter how good the trade package might look on paper.
The best move for the Nuggets right now is patience. Murray’s struggles early in the season can partly be chalked up to rust and the inevitable adjustment period after an offseason. It’s a long season, and as he gets back into rhythm, his value—both on the court and in potential trade scenarios—will only go up. Rushing to move him now would not only hurt the Nuggets championship aspirations this year but also rob them of the chance to maximize their return if they ever decide to trade him down the road.
Jamal Murray has proven time and again that he’s built for the big moments. His current slump doesn’t erase the fact that he’s one of the best playoff performers in the league. Moving him now would not only break up one of the most dynamic duos in the NBA but also send the wrong message to a team that’s still very much in contention. The Nuggets need Murray, and more importantly, they need him at his best—something they’ll get if they stick it out.
A Brand New Denver Nuggets Team
Starters: Jamal Murray, Dillon Brooks, Kyle Kuzma, Jabari Smith Jr., Nikola Jokic
Bench: Russell Westbrook, Christian Braun, Julian Strawther, Corey Kispert, Peyton Watson, Dario Saric, DeAndre Jordan
If the Nuggets are serious about shaking things up, this revamped roster could be the spark they need to stay ahead in the West. The new starting five blends the offensive punch of Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic with the defensive grit of Dillon Brooks and the versatility of Jabari Smith Jr. and Kyle Kuzma. This group gives the Nuggets a much-needed balance of scoring, playmaking, and defensive toughness that could help ease the load on Jokic, who’s been carrying too much weight on both ends of the court.
Jamal Murray remains the go-to guy in the backcourt, but adding Brooks into the starting lineup injects a new edge defensively. He’s the kind of player who can take on elite scorers night in and night out, something the Nuggets have lacked in recent years. Meanwhile, Jabari Smith Jr. is the perfect forward to complement Jokic’s game. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions makes him an ideal piece. Kyle Kuzma slots in as a secondary scorer who can also create his own shot—something this team desperately needs when the offense stagnates.
The bench, led by Russell Westbrook, brings energy and experience. While Westbrook has struggled with efficiency, his ability to push the pace and attack the rim could be a game-changer in the second unit. Young players like Christian Braun and Julian Strawther provide fresh legs and hustle, while Corey Kispert adds shooting to keep the floor spaced.
This new-look Nuggets team isn’t just about retooling—it’s about creating a more balanced, versatile squad that can adapt to different matchups in the playoffs. The combination of defensive intensity, offensive firepower, and a deeper bench makes this group one that could easily contend in a loaded Western Conference. With Jokić still in his prime, this might just be the formula to keep the championship window open for years to come.
