The Nuggets have significant interest in a deal for Bulls wing Zach LaVine, The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Tony Jones report.
Denver is active in the market for an offensive upgrade at the wing position to ease some of the burden off Nikola Jokic. LaVine would certainly fit that bill, though he’s had more than his share of injury issues. LaVine is averaging 21.7 points and 4.2 assists this season. He’s a career 46.6% shooter, including 38.4% from deep.
He’s also got a very large contract — $43MM this season, $45.9 MM next season and a $48.9MM player option for 2026/27.
Any big trade Denver might make would likely involve Michael Porter Jr., according to The Athletic duo. Porter is making $35.8MM this season, $38.3MM next season and $40.8MM in 2026/27, though only $12MM is guaranteed in that final year of the contract.
Porter is off to a strong start statistically, averaging 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists. He’s shooting 51.2% overall and 38.5% on 3-point attempts.
So why is Denver willing to part with him? The Nuggets are seeking help in the form of someone who is able to create offense. Jokić and Jamal Murray are the only players on the roster who are consistently capable of creating their own shots, The Athletic notes.
Sparingly-used forward Zeke Nnaji, a 2020 first-round pick, is also available. He’s signed through the 2027/28 season on a four-year, $32MM deal that includes a player option.
LaVine isn’t the only player the Nuggets are looking at. They have also expressed interest or have had preliminary trade discussions regarding Jordan Poole, Jordan Clarkson, De’Andre Hunter, Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas. Brandon Ingram, currently sidelined by an ankle injury, is also on the Nuggets’ radar, SNY TV’s Ian Begley tweets.
Wow, Lavine for MPJ! This is the most interesting rumor in a long time, and it makes sense.
Bulls get a bit of relief on Lavine’s bad contract, and Denver gets a player better suited to their offense.
As with Aaron Gordon, Denver might re-ignite Lavine’s faltering career.
Say no to Levine! If Porter is traded we need multiple players on 15-20 mil salaries. Maybe something with Porter going to Detroit, Cam Johnson to Denver and picks to Brooklyn?
I can’t see any team wanting either player under his existing contract. But I could see each team (reluctantly) doing this swap, because each really needs to jettison the player they have. It goes beyond skill set, particularly with LaVine. The return isn’t pretty in either case, but:
For CHI, MPJ at least tries (sometimes) on the defensive end, and, at his natural spot (PF), he can be a plus rebounder, and it will help PW too. MPJ is a bit younger too, so this can be sold along those lines. Really, the biggie is they get LaVine out of the locker room, not that he knows many people in there.
For DEN, they get to show Jokic that they really care about his window. Why else would they roll the dice so recklessly like this. For sure, Jokic won’t have to ever again worry about having to handle the ball on every possession. In the end though, the defensive side of this can’t end well. Malone is one of the best, but I doubt even he can work LaVine into a functional team defense. If he does, he should be immediately inducted into the HOF.
“Reluctantly” is a good term.
Risky for Denver, yes. Still, based on how well Lavine has been playing lately, there is a chance it works out well.
Also, fear of Jamal Murray’s decline is growing…
i like it
Just like how the Warriors saved their season by trading for Schroder, Denver could do the same with LaVine.
Rather watch angel Reese brick 1800 times a game than that product on the floor with Polio Boy and MPJ.
Wishing the Nuggets could arrange some sort of deal to get Bruce Brown, Jeff green, and KCP back for MPJ