The Denver Nuggets have already mentioned that they are open to making big roster changes. Josh Kroenke mentioned that everyone is on the table to be moved, minus Nikola Jokic. After falling to the Timberwolves in the first round, changes are necessary.
Jamal Murray had one of the worst postseason performances alongside Jokic. He shot under 36 percent from the field against Minnesota. He is the biggest trade chip that they have to cash if Denver decides to make some drastic changes to the roster.
A trade proposal from Bleacher Report has them trading Murray in order to bet big on some young potential.
GettyPortland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson dribbles the ball. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
Nuggets Send Jamal Murray Away for Young Guard in Interesting Trade Idea
Here is the full trade proposal:
Denver Nuggets Acquire: Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, 2028 first-round pick (via MIL; top-4 protected), 2029 first-round pick (via BOS)
Portland Trail Blazers Acquire: Jamal Murray
Henderson had some moments in his first postseason experience, but he was extremely uneven in his games against the Spurs. He scored as many as 31 points while also going scoreless in a game. Still, he has a lot of potential if he could ever put it all together.
Holiday showed that he still has a lot left in the tank if he can stay healthy. Getting a Bucks draft pick could be extremely valuable if they decide to part ways with Giannis Antetokounmpo, as well. This trade would be a nice blend of adding current assets and future ones.
The Nuggets are in search of offensive options who can help Jokic. Holiday can certainly still do that at this stage of his career. Henderson would be able to come off the bench and be the focal point of the offense. Murray is still good, but he has now had two straight disappointing postseason performances.
GettyDenver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray drives the ball. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Denver Cannot Run it Back Next Season
After losing to the Timberwolves, it’s clear that this same roster cannot return next season. Jokic was desperate to have anyone else be able to help him on offense. He is still one of the best offensive players in the NBA, but he can’t do everything himself.
Even if they decide not to make a trade with the Blazers, Denver needs to explore other trades that involve Murray. He is still their best trade chip, and moving him would involve adding the most possible assets. Capitalizing on Jokic’s prime needs to be their top priority.
The Nuggets have some big contracts tied up in players who might have some questions surrounding them. Christian Braun will be entering the first year of a massive contract extension next year. Denver also needs to make a decision on Peyton Watson.
If Denver is able to make the right moves, it can return to being a title contender next season. If they fail to do anything, they will continue to fall behind the Thunder and the Spurs in the Western Conference.
Nuggets Offseason Trade Proposal Sees Them Bet Big on Potential