As a result, the Nuggets have either expressed interest in, or have had preliminary trade discussions on the following players: Chicago’s Zach LaVineWashington’s Jordan PooleUtah’s Jordan Clarkson, Atlanta’s De’Andre HunterBrooklyn’s Cam Johnson and Washington’s Jonas Valančiūnas.

League sources say the focus on LaVine in recent discussions is significant, with the Nuggets interested in the 29-year-old who is averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season. LaVine, a two-time All-Star, is owed $43 million this season, $45.9 million next season and has a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-27 campaign.

As a Nuggets fan I don’t really think a Lavine for MPJ swap is ideal. MPJ has had a career year and so if we’re gonna trade him I’d want a bigger upgrade than Lavine.

Clarkson/Hunter/Johnson I’m guessing wouldn’t involve MPJ so I think I’d prefer to go for 2 of them using Nnaji and Sarics contracts or go for Valanciunas to give Joker a rest more often.

    • TrippyFocusOPM
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      9 hours ago

      I don’t think so just because I think teams on the other end would prefer MPJ when you factor in the contracts and current form.

      Edit: Also looks like Murray can’t be traded until the summer due to his extension, same for Gordon so it has to be MPJ pretty much unfortunately.

    • pdxfed@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      OOTL–did Murray fall off or get injured again? Haven’t watched much in a year or so, surprised to hear his name being bandied about.

      • TrippyFocusOPM
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        1 day ago

        Playoffs last year it was injury related but this season it’s hard to tell if it’s a lingering issue. He doesn’t have the explosiveness to get separation so he’s taking tougher shots and just not making them.

      • acosmichippo@lemmy.world
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        2 days ago

        I haven’t watched a lot of Denver but Murray has not been very good since the last part of last season. including the olympics.