NBA Trades: 3 dark horse destinations for Kevin Durant this offseason

NBA Trades: 3 dark horse destinations for Kevin Durant: Denver Nuggets

For the past two seasons, the Denver Nuggets have been missing pivotal players due to injury, which has hindered their success. Of course, with Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. enduring devastating injuries, back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets have failed to make a push for a championship.

With those two likely coming back next season, Denver could possibly stand pat and prepare for next year as constructed, or perhaps they could push all of their chips to the center of the table by pursuing a trade for Kevin Durant.

Without question, Jokic and Durant would form one of the best offensive duos in league history. The two former MVPs would complement one another perfectly, with Durant thriving off Jokic’s playmaking while alleviating some of the scoring pressure from each other.

Adding Durant to the Nuggets would catapult them to near the top of the Western Conference standings immediately, putting them in the upper echelon of NBA title contenders.

While trading for Durant is desirable for the Nuggets, it is far easier said than done. Even if they could entice Brooklyn with pieces like Porter or Murray, the Nets could not accept such a trade as they currently have Ben Simmons.

Teams cannot have multiple players on rookie-scale extensions on their roster via trade, which Simmons, Porter, and Murray are all on. If a third team were to get involved to take on Simmons, then there could be some legitimate traction on a deal like this one, but it is unclear what Brooklyn’s plans are with the 25-year-old at this time.

The Nuggets have the assets to get a deal done, but the inclusion of Simmons to another team is a pivotal factor in any potential move.