The Denver Nuggets are reportedly near giving up their former lottery-picked wing to simply accept one of many worst contracts within the NBA.
It does not sound like one thing a current NBA champion would do, however right here we’re, and by some means the commerce does not appear to be a nasty thought.
The Nuggets clearly want some kind of roster shakeup. They’ve not too long ago experimented with integrating Russell Westbrook into the beginning lineup, however extra drastic modifications are wanted.
New reviews point out that Denver is on the level the place they’re prepared to take a threat on a two-time All-Star guard that everybody has averted on the commerce market over the previous year-plus.
Evan Sidery of Forbes Sports activities reported Tuesday evening that the Nuggets could possibly be carry on board Chicago Bulls capturing guard Zach LaVine.
“The Nuggets are displaying vital commerce curiosity in Zach LaVine,” Sidery stated.
“Denver would most likely ship Michael Porter Jr. and Zeke Nnaji to make the Bulls’ salaries work.”
“A possible blockbuster debut forming through the NBA’s business season. »
Such a commerce could be a serious turning level within the Nuggets’ current historical past as a franchise. Only a few months in the past, Denver thought-about Porter Jr. one of many cornerstones of its franchise. After choosing Porter Jr. within the 2018 draft lottery, the Nuggets received a title with Porter Jr. taking part in a key function they usually supplied him an enormous new contract.
Now it seems they’re prepared to maneuver on from Porter Jr.
LaVine’s $138 million owed for this season and two extra seasons is hard to swallow, however Denver may assume he is the man Michael Porter Jr. is just not — a dependable third choice behind Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray to solidify the Nuggets’ rating. offensive excellence.
And with LaVine’s current look, the Nuggets is perhaps proper.
Jokić, Murray, LaVine and Aaron Gordon make up a powerful core, surrounded by nice depth, consisting of Westbrook, Christian Braun and rising property Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther.
Add in a DeAndre Jordan improve at backup heart, and there isn’t any cause the Nuggets cannot get again to the NBA Finals this yr.
Extra NBA: Lakers may commerce ‘among the finest contracts within the NBA’ to Hornets
