Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP, Finals MVP, and widely regarded as the best player in the NBA right now, is possibly having the best season of his career. He’s averaging a near triple-double with 30.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 9.9 assists per game.
However, despite Jokic’s brilliance, the Denver Nuggets’ record is just 14-10, and they don’t look like legitimate title contenders. Their +2.5 net rating, ranking 13th in the league, supports this view. The team lacks sufficient shot creation beyond Jokic, which is why they are reportedly eyeing a bold move at the trade deadline, with Chicago’s Zach LaVine as a key target, according to Sam Amick and Tony Jones of The Athletic.
Denver has also shown interest or held preliminary discussions regarding several other players, including Washington’s Jordan Poole, Utah’s Jordan Clarkson, Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter, Brooklyn’s Cam Johnson, and Washington’s Jonas Valanciunas. The Nuggets’ current focus on LaVine is seen as notable.
LaVine is enjoying the best 3-point shooting season of his career, averaging 21.7 points on 42.8% shooting from beyond the arc, along with 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists. Although his ability to score is unquestioned, his $43 million salary this season, along with the two years and $94 million remaining on his contract (with a player option for the second year), coupled with his injury history, have made teams hesitant to give up significant assets for him.
To make a potential trade work financially, Denver would likely need to include Michael Porter Jr. and his $35.9 million salary. While Porter is not the same shot creator as LaVine, he is having one of his most well-rounded seasons, averaging 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and shooting 38.5% from three, while also playing some of the best defense of his career.
The trade could also involve Zeke Nnaji, whom Denver has made available, but the Bulls would likely demand at least a first-round pick swap, as they are in a rebuilding phase and prioritize future picks over salary swaps, even if they value Porter Jr. That asking price may be too steep for the Nuggets.
Regardless of whether the LaVine trade materializes, it’s clear that Denver’s front office, led by GM Calvin Booth, recognizes that the team is not currently built to contend for a title, despite Jokic’s prime years. Changes are necessary, and they may be willing to take a chance on LaVine to provide the shot creation the team needs beyond Jokic and Jamal Murray.
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