The Denver Nuggets are coming off one of their more disappointing seasons in a while.
Denver fell to the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves in five games in the first round of the playoffs. In a season where they felt they could have made it back to the Western Conference Finals, they now head into the offseason facing more questions than answers.
One major question on mind is the uncertainty of their star guard, Jamal Murray. Is this the offseason where they could cut ties with the champion guard?
It remains to be seen, but this massive trade proposal by Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report has the Nuggets trading Murray to their division rivals, the Portland Trail Blazers.
Denver Nuggets Acquire: Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, 2028 first-round pick (via MIL; top-4 protected), 2029 first-round pick (via BOS)
Portland Trail Blazers Acquire: Jamal Murray
"Murray finally broke through as an All-Star this past season, but wasn't nearly good enough on either end to get the Nuggets out of the first round. He was particularly vulnerable on defense at the point of attack, which was fatal to a Denver team that had no rim protection on the back line.
"Murray is the best player changing teams in this deal, but he's also the only positive-value asset Denver is willing to surrender in its search for flexibility and a more playoff-proof roster."
While Murray has been stellar for the Nuggets, he is a clear liability on the defensive end. This trade proposal sees the Nuggets shore up their defense and get more athletic, something they desperately need in the backcourt.
As for the Blazers, they get a player in Murray who complements their mix of veteran leadership and youthfulness. Portland showed this past season they could be a force to be reckoned with; a potential addition of Murray could help them take a step closer to becoming a true contender in the West.
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