The Denver Nuggets' surprising firing of head coach Mike Malone and general manager Calvin Booth sent shockwaves around the NBA. Firing a head coach and GM in the final week of the regular season is poor timing, let alone for a team that has a chance to make a deep playoff run.
That is risky to say the least, since the Nuggets may be sabotaging one of the best MVP-caliber seasons in NBA history. Nikola Jokic has been putting up monster numbers, but Denver was already a relative long shot to make the NBA Finals.
With the Nuggets cleaning house, it could lead to them reconsidering their roster. That could open the door for a bold proposed trade that would shake up their roster in a big way.
A surprising star trade target could be more likely after bold Nuggets moves.
The potential trade would see the Nuggets ship Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Naji, Christian Braun, and a 2031 first-round pick for Durant. That would be a monster deal that would pair two future Hall of Famers, Durant and Jokic, together.
It would cost them Porter Jr., who is having a strong season. Braun, who has emerged as a legit three-and-D starting wing, and an unprotected 2031 first, which could be especially appealing with Jokic being 30 and Durant being 36.
While the Suns could probably get more as far as picks for Durant, trading for Porter Jr. would make sense with Devin Booker still on the roster. This assumes they decide against a full rebuild.
Add in a young starter still on a rookie-scale contract and a likely future lottery pick, and it may be a competitive offer. Of course, that depends on how much Durant commands in the trade market.
Do the Denver Nuggets have enough to land Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns
All things considered, that would be a reasonable risk for the Nuggets to take with them seemingly having hit their ceiling. Adding Durant would give them something they haven't had during the Jokic era, an elite offensive weapon on the perimeter who can also defend.
Although he is 36, he has shown little signs of slowing down, and it is entirely reasonable to think that he could aid similarly to LeBron James. If that's the case, then the Nuggets should strongly consider making a play for Durant.
It's also worth noting that Durant has never played with a passer quite like Jokic, who could get him easier shots. All in all, with the Nuggets cleaning house ahead of the postseason, they may be ready to make a big move this summer. If Durant is open to playing in Denver and his trade market is lower than expected, then the Nuggets could be a dark horse to land a future Hall of Famer to pair with Jokic.