The Denver Nuggets had an incredibly disappointing finish to their season. Being eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves was not how they envisioned finishing this season. Before the year started, they were viewed as title contenders.
In the series, Nikola Jokic was stifled by Rudy Gobert. It was the worst playoff performance he has had in quite a while. Rumors popped up that Jokic might try to ask out now that this season is over. Jokic claims he wants to be in Denver forever.
Yet, a wild trade proposal from Bleacher Report would see them trade for another superstar to pair with Jokic moving forward. That superstar is Giannis Antetokounmpo.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots the ball while warming up. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Trade Proposal Sees Nuggets Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Here is the full trade proposal:
Nuggets Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kyle Kuzma
Bucks Receive: Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, a 2026 first-round pick, a 2031 first-round pick swap, and a 2026 second-round pick (via Atlanta)
At first blush, this seems like the Nuggets gave up way too much for Antetokounmpo. He is a distressed asset who has clearly worn out his welcome in Milwaukee. So why would they have to send their second and third-best player along with picks?
However, the assets actually make sense. Denver’s 2026 first-round pick is not going to be a high pick. Only the 2031 pick has a chance of being a high one. Murray and Gordon both had a bad series against Minnesota. Gordon was just not available for most of it.
For Milwaukee, adding those two players would allow them to remain somewhat competitive with Myles Turner still on the roster. They could build around that core and see where it takes them. Hiring Taylor Jenkins doesn’t exactly signal that they want a full teardown and rebuild in the next few years.
GettyDenver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray drives the ball. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Denver Must Explore all Trade Possibilities
In the playoffs, the Nuggets had the 11th-best offense out of 16 teams. That’s a far cry from the top-rated offense they had during the regular season. With such a disappointing change in offense, everything should be on the table for Denver in the offseason.
Murray has not been the same level of player since the 2023 title run. Gordon was a key figure in that title run after coming over in a trade, but his injury woes have made him an unreliable figure when the postseason rolls around. That’s tough to reconcile when Jokic is still as good as he is.
Denver is still one of the best teams in the West, but they seem to be falling further behind the top two teams. Oklahoma City and San Antonio are only getting better, which means the Nuggets have to find a way to keep pace. It’s up to the front office to explore all trade possibilities, even one that could land them a superstar player.
If the Nuggets are going to make a big trade, it would likely be before the draft.
Nuggets Trade for Superstar to Pair with Nikola Jokic in Mind-Bending Trade Proposal