Since the Denver Nuggets failed to make a deep run in the NBA Playoffs, any player not named Nikola Jokic is expected to be on the table for a trade.
Coming off an All-Star season, Jamal Murray holds high value.
While that doesn’t guarantee that Murray will be on the move, he is the top chip if the Nuggets want to make a major shakeup. If the Nuggets wanted to take a swing at somebody like Kevin Durant from the Houston Rockets, it could spell the end of the Jokic-Murray combo.
A Possible Path to Kevin Durant For Denver
GettyNikola Jokic #15 and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets
Tom Haberstroh of Yahoo Sports kicked around the idea of Kevin Durant going to Colorado. In a hypothetical trade package, Durant could land with the Nuggets, along with a 2029 first-round pick from the Phoenix Suns, in exchange for Murray on his own.
For Denver, that’s one guaranteed year of Durant ($43.9 million), and the possibility of having him for 2027-2028 at the cost of $46.09 million.
Meanwhile, Murray’s contract comes off the books. His first $50 million salary kicks in for the 2026-2027 season, and raises as high as $57.5 million in 2028-2029.
“By many measures, Durant was better than Murray this season and the 37-year-old’s contract ($6 million less than Murray next season) will also help Denver shave its payroll and provide flexibility as the team desperately tries to navigate the apron world,” Haberstroh wrote.
The Case For Kevin Durant
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 09: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Toyota Center on April 09, 2026 in Houston, Texas. 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 Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
He’s simply still elite.
During his first run with the Rockets, Durant appeared in 78 games. The star forward produced 26.0 points per game, while shooting 52.0% from the field. He knocked down 41.3% of his threes.
Beyond his scoring, Durant came down with 5.5 rebounds per game and dished out 4.8 assists per game.
Putting an elite playmaker and scorer alongside Nikola Jokic, and the Nuggets easily have the best front court in the NBA.
The Case Against Durant
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 10: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks on against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Toyota Center on April 10, 2026 in Houston, Texas. 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 Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Jamal Murray struggled a lot in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, which is why this is even a conversation worth entertaining.
But what’s worse? Struggling or not playing?
The idea of Durant in the playoffs is great–that’s why the Rockets traded for him last season. But Houston didn’t get much of what they wanted. The Rockets had six playoff games against the Los Angeles Lakers. Durant was available for just one of them.
Despite missing only four games during the regular season in 2025-2026, Durant battled two separate setbacks in the postseason, which prevented him from being productive. Would it be worth swapping out a guard that Jokic won it all with for the big question mark that Durant brings?