Anything outside of moving on from Nikola Jokic is on the table for the Denver Nuggets this summer.
Teams can try to get Denver’s front office on the phone, but once the multi-time MVP’s name gets brought up, all lines are cut.
Therefore, Jamal Murray could end up being the Nuggets’ most popular trade candidate for the first time in the one-time All-Star’s career this offseason. He just might be a player of interest for a team like the Boston Celtics.
Are The Celtics Headed For A Major Shakeup?
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 15: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the preseason game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on October 15, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Similar to the Nuggets, the Celtics just dropped out of the NBA Playoffs with a first-round exit to a lower-ranked team. The Celtics choked a 3-1 lead against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Now, they are watching their star forward, Jaylen Brown, accidentally convince the public that he’s not sold on his future alongside Jayson Tatum in Boston. Brown pushes back on those claims, but there’s enough smoke developing to at least keep an eye on the situation.
What Could A Murray-Brown Swap Look Like?
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 10: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts after being called for a foul during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the TD Garden on April 10, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Nuggets On SI’s Logan Struck put together a mock deal, which goes two-for-two between the Celtics and the Nuggets.
In the hypothetical scenario, the Nuggets would trade away Jamal Murray and Cam Johnson in exchange for Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser.
“Even though the idea of splitting up Jokic and Murray, arguably the NBA’s best duo, is a bit outlandish, this duo of Jokic and Brown could be a better fit. The Nuggets desperately need help defensively. By bringing in Brown, their offense does not take a hit, yet he would be a potential savior on defense,” Struck writes.
Murray and Brown are proven champions in a key supporting role, but Brown certainly carries the more impressive resume, which includes five All-Star nods.
Although Brown’s inability to close out the Sixers in the 2026 playoffs is viewed as a stain, the forward had a strong showing in the playoffs. Brown averaged 25.7 points per game(40.5% from three), along with 5.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
Meanwhile, Murray’s cold shooting hurt the Nuggets throughout the entire playoff run. He made just 35.7% from the field, while hitting on just 26.2% of his shots from three.
Denver’s Not Desperate
GettyJamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles the ball down court during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena on March 5, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
The Nuggets aren’t in desperate need of splitting up Nikola Jokic and Murray, but if a player of Brown’s caliber is on the table, it’s something worth considering.
On the Celtics’ side, a Brown deal probably only happens if the forward is unwilling to go back to the way things were before, when Jayson Tatum plays throughout the entire season.
Don’t count on either team splitting up their duos–but know that Murray and Brown are names worth keeping an eye on.