As a result, the Nuggets have either expressed interest in, or have had preliminary trade discussions on the following players: Chicago’s Zach LaVine, Washington’s Jordan Poole, Utah’s Jordan Clarkson, Atlanta’s De’Andre Hunter, Brooklyn’s Cam Johnson and Washington’s Jonas Valančiūnas.
League sources say the focus on LaVine in recent discussions is significant, with the Nuggets interested in the 29-year-old who is averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season. LaVine, a two-time All-Star, is owed $43 million this season, $45.9 million next season and has a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-27 campaign.
As a Nuggets fan I don’t really think a Lavine for MPJ swap is ideal. MPJ has had a career year and so if we’re gonna trade him I’d want a bigger upgrade than Lavine.
Clarkson/Hunter/Johnson I’m guessing wouldn’t involve MPJ so I think I’d prefer to go for 2 of them using Nnaji and Sarics contracts or go for Valanciunas to give Joker a rest more often.
Playoffs last year it was injury related but this season it’s hard to tell if it’s a lingering issue. He doesn’t have the explosiveness to get separation so he’s taking tougher shots and just not making them.