The Denver Nuggets find themselves at a pivotal point. Despite back-to-back deep playoff runs, mounting concerns over offensive stagnation have pushed the front office to explore bold roster changes, and there’s growing buzz they’re willing to dangle Michael Porter Jr. as the centerpiece in a shakeup.
At 26, Porter remains a coveted shooter with 18.2 PPG and 39.5% from three in 2024-25, yet his max-sized contract could be the flexibility Denver is seeking. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls have shifted gears from veteran-driven competitiveness to young-star acquisition.
With aging pieces like Lonzo Ball and Kevin Huerter clogging the rotation, and a handful of expiring contracts, Chicago is eyeing a fresh infusion of talent to fuel their next era. A move for Michael Porter Jr. would signal a clear investment in upside over experience, a message the Bulls appear ready to send.
What if the pieces align? Chicago sends Huerter and Ball to Denver in exchange for Porter Jr., creating a swap that fits both their strategic objectives. Let’s dive into the trade idea.
Proposed Trade Details
Chicago Bulls Receive: Michael Porter Jr.
Denver Nuggets Receive: Kevin Huerter, Lonzo Ball
Update: This article was published before Lonzo Ball’s official trade to Cleveland.
Denver Nuggets Bring Back Shooting And Defense For One Player
Denver is at a crossroads after realizing that their lack of perimeter shooting and wing defense is limiting their ceiling. With Michael Porter Jr. on the block, they might recoup both.
Last season, Porter Jr. averaged 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and shot 50.4% from the floor and 39.5% from deep across 77 games. That elite shooting alleviates pressure on Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to consistently create offense, plugging a glaring hole in Denver’s rotation.
However, the Nuggets need bench depth and a stronger rotation. Lonzo Ball can replace the departed Russell Westbrook, provide elite defense and passing, and has higher basketball IQ. Huerter can shoot the three, defend the perimeter, and even start games if he’s required to.
Financially and strategically, Denver might profit from the trade as much as their playbook. Porter Jr. is in year four of a five-year, $179 million contract, and moving him could free cap space ahead of next summer, a calculated risk if they believe the rotation can outproduce his numbers with more dynamic flexibility.
With the right package, the Nuggets shed a max contract while proactively upgrading role players and balancing the roster.
Chicago Bulls Continue Their Rebuild With New Cornerstone
Chicago is sending clear signals: they want a youthful star to build around, and that starts by moving on from veteran wings. Lonzo Ball, after a long rehabilitation from knee surgeries, averaged 7.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over 35 games.
Meanwhile, Kevin Huerter has dipped to just 9.9 points in 24.3 minutes, down from his career average of 11.6 PPG. These players represent tradable assets in pursuit of a higher upside option.
By pivoting toward Michael Porter Jr., the Bulls lock in a higher-upside talent who can grow into their lead wing: he’s a floor-stretching 6’10″ scorer boasting career averages of 16.2 PPG and 40.6% from deep.
Porter Jr. is only 26 and enters his prime years, aligning with Chicago’s timeline to build around Coby White and Josh Giddey, essentially to replace Ball’s role.
Trading veteran role players for a cost-controlled star ensures Chicago retains flexibility while dramatically upgrading ceiling. Porter’s 2024-25 usage profile lines up well with an ascending team, someone who can both stretch defenses as a second option and potentially grow into their primary option in peak years.
A Realistic Trade Idea That Makes Sense For Both Teams
The proposed swap, Nuggets receive Lonzo Ball and Kevin Huerter, Bulls receive Michael Porter Jr., answers the core needs of both franchises.
Denver shores up playmaking and wing depth: Ball, offers stability off the bench. Huerter adds floor spacing, a veteran presence, and cheap contract for two more seasons. Ball will make $10M next season and Huerter will crack $18M, so both contracts won’t destroy Denver by any means.
Chicago unlocks a versatile star in Porter Jr., gaining a high-impact wing locked into a deal for years. The match fits timeline-wise: Nugget sacrifices a long-term max for depth, Bulls sacrifice short-term proficiency for future upside and cost control.
Both teams leave the deal better equipped for 2025-26, playing to their current windows. In short, Denver recalibrates, adds ball movement and perimeter stability, while Chicago lands a budding star who properly complements their core and direction.
