With rumors that the Denver Nuggets are searching for trade help to try and bolster their roster, several names have been floated as possible trade targets. The biggest name is Chicago Bulls star Zach Lavine, while New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram is also reportedly an option.
For Denver, specifically, I’m not sure Zach LaVine is a clear upgrade over Michael Porter.
— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) December 18, 2024
MPJ is 5 inches taller and 3 years younger. He doesn’t need the ball and doesn’t fuss about a lack of shots. He’s a better rebounder and has years of chemistry with the Nuggets core. pic.twitter.com/RsApCnY9on
However, for the Nuggets to acquire those players, it would require them to give up Michael Porter Jr. He is a polarizing player on a bad contract, but he is also one of the best shooters for his size in the NBA and has played well this season.
Denver has long been higher than most rival front offices on LaVine...But...MPJ has also had a probably slightly underrated all-around season, getting to the bucket a bit more/making some tougher plays. Very interesting few weeks coming up for Denver. https://t.co/1IN2k9xcIa
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) December 18, 2024
Giving him up in a potential deal would see the Nuggets trade their best shooter. That would also break up their jumbo starting frontcourt of Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and Porter Jr.
Pursuing Ingram would replace some of what Porter Jr. provides with him being an accurate, high-volume three-point shooter with plenty of length. Even health-wise, Ingram and Porter Jr. both have a long list of injuries.
Are the Denver Nuggets about to make a big mistake by trading Michael Porter Jr.?
Porter Jr. is having a solid season, which should raise his trade value and bring his play more in line with his big contract. That doesn't mean that he is worth his contract, but another team may be more willing to acquire him after seeing how he has played this season.
That is good for the Nuggets, though it should also give them pause trading him. Especially if they aren't getting a clear upgrade. Then again, that would require the Nuggets to outright win a trade.
That may be hard to do, particularly with limited picks. That is a tricky situation for the Nuggets since they obviously need trade help, but given their roster, the only way for them to acquire an impactful player is by trading Porter Jr.
Perhaps the best option is to try and turn Porter Jr. into multiple rotation players. Two potential options could be Brooklyn Nets players Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith or Atlanta Hawks players Bojan Bogdanovic and DeAndre Hunter.
That might cost them a 2031 first-round pick swap or a 2031 protected first-round pick, but it might be worth it if they can also get off of Zeke Nnaji's contract. Last season's playoffs exposed a depth issue.
While they have gotten some young players to step up and Russell Westbrook to step in and play a role, they need more. That might not mean that trading Porter Jr. for a star, but instead trying to trade him for depth could make more sense.