The Denver Nuggets are reportedly considering their first significant mid-season trade since acquiring Aaron Gordon in 2021. Following a 14-10 start to the season, which has them two games behind the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, the reigning champions are looking to add firepower to their roster.
According to The Athletic, Denver has shown interest in several high-scoring players, including Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls), Jordan Poole (Washington Wizards), Cam Johnson (Brooklyn Nets), Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz), De’Andre Hunter (Atlanta Hawks), and Jonas Valanciunas (Washington Wizards). The team is said to be prioritizing LaVine, whose scoring ability makes him a prime target.
Ian Begley of The Athletic also reported that New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is another player on Denver’s radar. However, any trade for a high-salary scorer is likely to include forward Michael Porter Jr., who is earning $35.8 million this season.
With Jamal Murray ineligible for trade due to his offseason extension and Aaron Gordon serving as a defensive cornerstone, Porter emerges as the most viable trade candidate. Denver, a second-apron team, must carefully navigate salary-matching rules to complete a deal. For instance, acquiring LaVine ($43 million) could require Denver to package Porter with Zeke Nnaji ($8.8 million) while receiving a minimum-salary player like Julian Phillips ($1.8 million) from Chicago.
The Nuggets’ pursuit of scorers highlights their need for offensive support alongside Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, particularly given Murray’s recent dip in form. Both LaVine and Ingram are capable of shouldering significant offensive loads, with LaVine averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season and Ingram contributing 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists before a recent injury sidelined him.
Denver’s other reported targets present intriguing options. De’Andre Hunter (19.3 points, 4.0 rebounds) is having a standout season with the Atlanta Hawks, while Cam Johnson’s three-and-D skillset has attracted league-wide interest, though Denver’s lack of tradeable draft capital may hinder their pursuit of the Nets forward.
The Nuggets’ strategy seems focused on players whose market value has dipped, like LaVine, Ingram, or Poole, as they aim to maximize their championship window with Jokić at the helm. Any potential move will likely hinge on finding a team willing to take on Porter Jr.’s salary, making trade negotiations complex.
With the February 2025 trade deadline approaching, the Nuggets face significant decisions about their roster. Whether they swing for a star or hold steady will shape their chances of repeating as NBA champions.