A proposed blockbuster trade would send Lauri Markkanen to the Denver Nuggets in a three-team deal, giving Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray a new co-star as the team looks to return to championship form.
Although Nikola Jokic is still in his prime, it's becoming clear that the Denver Nuggets need to strengthen their roster if they don't want to stick with just one championship ring.
This season, they were eliminated in the Western Conference semifinals by the Oklahoma City Thunder in a tight 4-3 series.
In response, Bleacher Report analyst Greg Schwartz has proposed an ambitious trade that would bring Utah Jazz All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen to Denver.
"The Nuggets should be desperate to add a third star next to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray while also not sacrificing the team's depth," Schwartz wrote. "Denver upgrades the starting small forward position by swapping out Porter for Markkanen and gets what's become a mistake of a contract off the books by moving Nnaji to Utah, all for the cost of a future first-round pick.
"A new starting five of Murray, Christian Braun, Markkanen, Aaron Gordon, and Jokic is definitely title-worthy and becomes bigger with more shot creation on the perimeter."
Michael Porter Jr. has been involved in trade rumors for years. While he has impressive offensive skills, his defensive inconsistency and injury history have raised concerns about his long-term fit.
Here's how the hypothetical three-team trade would look:
Denver Nuggets receive:
F Lauri Markkanen
Charlotte Hornets receive:
F Michael Porter Jr.
Utah Jazz receive:
G/F Josh Green
PF Grant Williams
F Josh Okogie
F/C Zeke Nnaji
2027 first-round pick (lottery-protected via Miami Heat, from Charlotte Hornets)
2032 first-round pick (unprotected via Denver Nuggets)
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