The Denver Nuggets are looking to make a significant upgrade to their roster this offseason. After they were defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals, it should have been expected.
In that playoff series, three-time MVP Nikola Jokic had excellent counting stats, but was far from his usual self. He averaged 29.0 points per game, but shot just 51.7 percent from the floor and 22.9 percent outside the arc. Sidekick Jamal Murray was worse, unable to escape from Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. By the end of the series, he had averaged 18.4 points per game on 40.3 percent shooting from the field and 33.3 recent shooting from 3. Worse still was the play of Michael Porter Jr., a supremely gifted shooter. Porter averaged a paltry 10.7 points in 35.1 minutes per game. He also shot just 37.1 percent from the floor and 32.5 percent from 3-point range.
It was the worst postseason performance their Big 3 has had. Now, the Nuggets are looking to replace one of their core players. They’ve already traded their backup point guard, Reggie Jackson. Starting wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has declined his 2024-25 player option to reach free agency.
Now, they could move Porter.
Nuggets Looking To Upgrade Core With Splash Trade
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Anthony Slater, the Nuggets engaged in trade discussions with the Los Angeles Clippers that were centered on nine-time All-Star Paul George. In this trade scenario, George’s contract would be extended and he would be sent to Denver. The Nuggets would have then traded Porter, Zeke Nnaji, and draft assets to the Clippers. Once Denver balked at the prospect of sending draft picks, their discussions ended.
“League sources say the Denver Nuggets, for example, had serious interest recently in the prospect of adding George by way of a possible extend-and-trade with the Clippers (if he chose to go that route). Yet in addition to giving George the max deal he so desires, they also would have had to give up Michael Porter Jr., Zeke Nnaji and a significant amount of draft capital. The Nuggets value their draft picks perhaps as much as any other contender in the league, and so their interest ended there.”
George as Porter’s replacement would’ve been a significant upgrade.
Though Porter has made strides in his ability to create off-the-dribble and contribute defensively, George is far and away better at both. A bonafide go-to scorer, his offensive skills alleviate the pressure Murray faces on the perimeter. Indeed, George will likely draw the better defender, giving Murray an even better chance to score.
At the other end, he could have been counted on to defend a player like Anthony Edwards. That being said, with Caldwell-Pope entering free agency, George’s defensive prowess would’ve been even more important.
Of course, the Nuggets have another sound defender in Aaron Gordon. However, Gordon’s more useful when guarding frontcourt players; the LeBron James’ and Anthony Davis’ of the world. If Caldwell-Pope departs, the Nuggets could start Christian Braun, a reputable wing defender. Still, neither of them have George’s combination of physical tools, technique, experience, and ability.
Though Denver may not want to surrender draft capital for a player who is 34 years old, it might have been a necessary sacrifice.
