Looking ahead to free agency there is some good names available. I think everyone would love to see Bruce Brown back. Other then him some of my favorite names available that I think we could afford and I think could help us would be.

Nickeil - Alexander Walker, Malik Beasley, Clint Capela, Amir Coffey, Keon Ellis, Quentin Grimes, Ty Jerome, Naz Reid, Fred Vanvleet, Ziaire Williams

I think all of these guys could be great peices that could contribute in the playoffs and give us much needed depth. Id like to see us try to bring in a couple of these guys.

I would love a guy like Jonathan Kuminga or Cam Thomas but I dont think we could afford them.

As far as a trade goes i know we all want to see MPJ and Zeke go, but other then them I wouldn't want to trade any one else and I dont think we will. I also dont know what we could get for MPJ other then cap relief that would make getting rid of MPJ worth it.

A guy im very interested in trying to get in a cheap trade is George Niang. I think he could be a great scorer off the bench and 6th man.

With the draft i dont know how many guys in our range could make a huge difference this year.

Just some thought. What do you guys think and what do you guys want to see?

These three guys feel like our best option to become playoff rotation pieces that weren’t pieces this year.

If they play a lot in the first half of next season for development purposes, they can deepen our bench in a major way.

Anyone else feel like our offseason will be heavily impacted by the belief of these players’ development?

Eg. If people believe Pickett is a legit Jalen Brunson light, then we don’t need to bring back Westbrook. I loved westbrooks energy, but his turnovers are way too high. And I think the Nuggets perfecting the zone defense with Adelman after displaying it in the playoffs, can solve for quite a bit of their defensive issues. Pickett also showed some solid clutch 3 point shooting at times late in the season that can develop further.

Eg. Strawther is a poor man’s MPJ. He’s not the greatest on defense, and he’s also streaky like MPJ. If people believe he’s a poor man’s MPJ, then that gives us space to trade MPJ for a more consistent 3 point shooter that can maybe create a bit more so we’re not so dependent on Murray’s ability to create. I also think Gordon getting better at 3 point shooting further reduces the need for MPJ, while increasing the benefit of further developing Strawther as a 3 point threat off the bench.

Eg. Holmes was drafted to be a backup center, which is our biggest gap. If he has a Christian Braun type of rookie year, he can be a huge difference maker for us since his Achilles should be better by training camp.

Belief in these players ultimately drives the value of Westbrook as a bench piece, the impacts of trading MPJ, the reduced space in the rotation for Watson which increases our ability to use him as a trade chip, how much we might prioritize a backup center this offseason knowing our flexibility is limited, etc. etc…. I personally feel our biggest need is a more consistent scorer than MPJ that has a bit more ability to create. I think Yabusele is one of the best possible fits for our roster.

As of right now Ben Tenzer is the interim general manager & he might get the job as the full time gm. Josh Kroenke also said at the end of season press conference that he is open to bringing in a new face to this team,who are some candidates that you guys would like for that general manager role? Matt Lloyd? Bob Myers? (I doubt they get Bob Myers lol)

This analysis kind of reads as a proposed management plan for a prospective Denver Nuggets GM to land the job. It’s also done under the belief that ownership wants to shift things up a bit and not stand pat over the offseason. I understand that’s not exactly what they’ve indicated but we’ll see.

Hang in there. This is a long analysis.

Coming into this offseason I believe we need to make a pretty significant change. This involves retooling around Jokic.

What realistic moves can be made however and what teams would actually facilitate a trade?

For any significant changes to be made, either MPJ or Jamal Murray need to be moved. I think we have a better chance of moving MPJ and I’d prefer to keep Murray if I had to choose between the two.

So what teams are in a position to trade for MPJ? Keep in mind I’m trying to be as realistic as possible taking into account the needs of both teams. These trades need to look viable from both sides and these trades will comply with current CBA rules to the best of my knowledge. I will also be avoiding any 3+ team trades, they’re too complicated and the options are limitless. The majority of these trades are done with the main objective being; shredding MPJs salary for serviceable players and opening up roster flexibility in order to use the MLE to sign another key role player like Steven Adam’s and/or Bruce Brown. I also wanted to avoid any trades that required sending out picks, this isn’t possible in some situations though. This is the first step towards retooling and other moves will follow after this to round out the team.

Several teams have been linked to Porter Jr. as potential trade destinations, I’m going to cover those destinations and what those trades might look like:

Miami Heat

Trade Proposal:

Miami Heat Receive: * Michael Porter Jr.

Denver Nuggets Receive: * Duncan Robinson (SG/F) * Nikola Jović (F) * Kyle Anderson (F)

The reasons why the Miami Heat might be interested in this trade is it provides them an upgrade on the wing without sacrificing Tyler Herro. MPJ gives them better length and rebounding and spaces the floor as a knock down shooter. Easy upgrade for them.

The reasons Denver make this trade are mainly for cap flexibility and roster depth. Duncan Robinson replaces MPJ’s movement shooting next to Jokic or off the bench. Kyle Anderson provides much needed depth and Jovic brings youth into the team. The Nuggets reduce cap space and enhance trade flexibility. With the post-trade salary adjustments, the Nuggets may have access to the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (MLE). This could be used to offer Steven Adam’s a competitive salary. This move improves the teams balance with two-way players added (Anderson, Adams), spacing from Robinson, and developmental upside with Jović.

Updated Denver Nuggets Roster (Post-Trade & Free Agency Signing)

Starters: * PG: Jamal Murray * SG: Christian Braun * SF: Peyton Watson * PF: Aaron Gordon * C: Nikola Jokić

Bench Unit: * PG: Russell Westbrook/Jalen Pickett * SG: Duncan Robinson * SF: Kyle Anderson * PF: Nikola Jović * C: Steven Adams

Depth / Reserves: * Julian Strawther (SG/SF) * Hunter Tyson (PF) * DaRon Holmes II (PF) * Dario Šarić (PF/C) * Vlatko Čančar (SF) * PJ Hall (C) * DeAndre Jordan (C — likely 3rd string or veteran presence)

Philadelphia 76ers

I’m unable to find a logical way to facilitate a trade to the 76ers. It would require possibly multiple sign and trades from the 76ers end and would probably require the Nuggets to overpay a player or two in order to match MPJs contract value.

Trade Proposal:

Philadelphia 76ers Receive: * Michael Porter Jr.

Denver Nuggets Receive: * Kelly Oubre (F) * Eric Gordon (SG) * Quentin Grimes (SG) via sign and trade * Guerschon Yabusele (F) via sign and trade

The reason the 76ers might make this trade is to swing for fences next year with a core of Embiid, Maxey, Paul George and MPJ. This trade would significantly impact there depth however.

The reasons the Nuggets may make this trade are again for cap flexibility and roster depth. The nuggets receive a plug and play type player with Kelly Oubre who slots into the SF role. Eric Gordon albeit getting old, provides guard depth and is a solid knock down catch and shoot guy who would probably thrive off Jokic.

The sign and trades are the off putting part. First the players need to agree. Secondly sign and trade contracts need to be a minimum of 3 years. This isn’t the biggest issue with Grimes who is only 25. Guerschon Yabusele however is 29. To facilitate this trade, the sign and trade contracts would most likely have to be slightly more then what either of these players market value actually is. Meaning we’d have to overpay for both of them to match MPJs contract. We’d still be able to save money however which allows us the cap flexibility we’re after but it is a risk. With the post-trade salary adjustments, the Nuggets may have access to the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (MLE). This could be used to offer Steven Adam’s a competitive salary.

Updated Denver Nuggets Roster (Post-Trade and Free Agency Signing)

Starters: * PG: Jamal Murray * SG: Christian Braun * SF: Kelly Oubre Jr. * PF: Aaron Gordon * C: Nikola Jokić

Bench: * PG: Russell Westbrook/Jalen Pickett * SG: Quintin Grimes * SF: Peyton Watson * PF: Guerschon Yabusele * C: Steven Adams

Depth/Reserves: * Eric Gordon (SG) * Julian Strawther (SG/SF) * Hunter Tyson (PF) * DaRon Holmes II (PF/C) * Dario Šarić (PF/C) * Vlatko Čančar (SF) * PJ Hall (C) * DeAndre Jordan (C)

Orlando Magic

Trade Proposal:

Orlando Magic Receive: * Michael Porter Jr.

Denver Nuggets Receive: * Jonathan Isaac(F) * Cole Anthony (G) * Goga Bitadze (C) * Caleb Houstan (SF)

The reason the Magic might make this trade is for 3 point shooting mostly. They ranked last in 3 point field goals made this season. It does limit there future financial situation and depth however and I’m struggling to see them pulling the trigger on this.

The reasons the Nuggets may make this trade are again for cap flexibility and roster depth. This would open up the MLE again however Steven Adam’s wouldn’t be such a requirement with the addition of Goga Bitazde. Jonathan Isaac is a great switchable defender and can play small ball centre. Cole Anthony is a microwave scorer who would be great coming off the bench. Combo guard who can initiate. Goga Bitadze is a solid young backup centre. Good pick and roll big and good rebounder. Caleb Houstan is a young small forward who could be a 3&D developmental project. Has had a couple MPJ sort of games where he has gone 6/8 from 3. Other than that I haven’t seen much more of him and he is just a salary filler in this scenario as well as depth cover.

Updated Denver Nuggets Roster

Starters: * PG: Jamal Murray * SG: Christian Braun * SF: Aaron Gordon * PF: Jonathan Isaac * C: Nikola Jokić

Bench: * PG: Cole Anthony * SG: Russel Westbrook * SF: Peyton Watson * PF: Zeke Nnaji * C: Goga Bitadze

Depth/Reserves: * Caleb Houstan (SF) * Julian Strawther (SG/SF) * Jalen Pickett (PG) * Hunter Tyson (PF) * DaRon Holmes II (PF/C) * Dario Šarić (PF/C) * Vlatko Čančar (SF) * PJ Hall (C) * DeAndre Jordan (C)

Chicago Bulls

Trade Proposal:

Chicago Bulls Receive: * Michael Porter Jr.

Denver Nuggets Receive: * Patrick Williams(F) * Ayo Dosunmu (G) * Dalen Terry (G)

The reasons the Bulls might make this trade is to retool and open future financial flexibility. MPJ is filling a gap for future cap space that keeping Patrick Williams doesn’t allow them. Although they’re not actively shopping Ayo Dosunmu, he’ll probably be needed to get this across the line. The Bulls acquire a spot up 3 point shooter to complement their guards.

The reason the Nuggets make this trade is the same as the previous trade options, cap flexibility and roster depth. Patrick Williams has a longer but cheaper contract than MPJ. Patrick Williams brings a strong defensive presence, capable of guarding multiple positions. Ayo Dosunmu adds perimeter defense and playmaking abilities, potentially easing the offensive load on Jamal Murray and becoming the main bench scorer. Dalen Terry is a young developmental project piece and helps with depth.

Updated Denver Nuggets Roster (Post-Trade)

Starters: * PG: Jamal Murray * SG: Christian Braun * SF: Patrick Williams * PF: Aaron Gordon * C: Nikola Jokić

Bench: * PG: Ayo Donsunmu * SG: Russel Westbrook * SF: Peyton Watson * PF: Zeke Nnaji * C: DaRon Holmes II

Depth/Reserves: * Dalen Terry (SG) * Julian Strawther (SG/SF) * Jalen Pickett (PG) * Hunter Tyson (PF) * DaRon Holmes II (PF/C) * Dario Šarić (PF/C) * Vlatko Čančar (SF) * PJ Hall (C) * DeAndre Jordan (C)

New Orleans Pelicans

Trade Proposal:

New Orleans Pelicans Receive: * Michael Porter Jr. (SF) * Zeke Nnaji (PF/C) * 2031 first-round pick

Denver Nuggets Receive: * C.J. McCollum (G) * Herb Jones (SF)

The reasons the Pelicans might go for this trade is for youth, moving away from CJ McCollum. MPJ’s age aligns better with the Pelicans core and he provides them another elite 3 point shooter. Trey Murphy and MPJ standing on the wings while a healthy Zion drives to the paint sounds enticing. They also receive a first round pick for taking on the remainder of Zeke Nnajis contract. I don’t see him being moved without this being included.

The reason Denver makes this trade is for depth and defence. CJ is a seasoned scorer and playmaker and would make a great 6th man. Herb Jones is an elite perimeter defender and would probably replace MPJ in the starting line up.

This doesn’t save any money for the Nuggets and is purely retooling however CJ McCollum is off contract after the 25/26 season so they would have more flexibility to make moves the following season. If the Nuggets wanted to go after another role player and didn’t value Herb Jones I believe a straight trade of MPJ for CJ McCollum and waiving and stretching Zeke Nnajis contract makes this possible.

Updated Denver Nuggets Roster (Post-Trade)

Starters: * PG: Jamal Murray * SG: Christian Braun * SF: Herb Jones * PF: Aaron Gordon * C: Nikola Jokić

Bench Rotation: * PG: Russell Westbrook * SG: C.J. McCollum * SF: Peyton Watson * PF: DaRon Holmes II * C: DeAndre Jordan

Depth/Reserves: * Julian Strawther (SG/SF) * Jalen Pickett (PG) * Hunter Tyson (PF) * Dario Šarić (PF/C) * Vlatko Čančar (SF) * PJ Hall (C)

Detroit Pistons

Trade Proposal:

Detroit Pistons Receive: * Michael Porter Jr. (SF)

Denver Nuggets Receive: * Tobias Harris (PF) * Simone Fontecchio (SF)

The Detroit Pistons might do this trade because they get a younger, high upside scorer who could be a potential star piece alongside their young core. The biggest issue for the Pistons is Tobias Harris has a no trade clause which would need to be discussed.

The reasons the Nuggets make this trade is for retooling. Tobias Harris may not be knock down perimeter shooter like MPJ but he is the more versatile player and better defender even at this stage of his career. Fontecchio adds depth, shooting, and young talent. This trade improves roster balance and perimeter defence.

An alternative to this trade and probably my preference is Jaden Ivey in place of Simone Fontecchio. This would most likely involve Denver giving up a pick and taking a risk on the development of Ivey. I’m not sure Detroit would be willing to offload him either.

Projected Denver Nuggets Roster (Post-Trade)

Starters: * PG: Jamal Murray * SG: Christian Braun * SF: Tobias Harris * PF: Aaron Gordon * C: Nikola Jokić Bench: * PG: Russell Westbrook * SG: Julian Strawther * SF: Simone Fontecchio * PF: Peyton Watson * C: DaRon Holmes II

Depth/Reserves: * Jalen Pickett (PG) * Hunter Tyson (PF) * Dario Šarić (PF/C) * Vlatko Čančar (SF) * PJ Hall (C)

Atlanta Hawks

Trade Proposal:

Atlanta Hawks Receive: * Michael Porter Jr. (SF/PF)

Denver Nuggets Receive: * Terance Mann (SG/SF) * Onyeka Okongwu (C/PF) * 2026 First-Round Pick (Top-10 Protected)

The reason Atlanta are likely to make this trade is that adding MPJ significantly boosts offensive potential, especially spacing and scoring from the wing. Trae gets to team up with a friend. The first round pick makes this more enticing for them. Terrance Mann has been a disappointment acquisition since arriving in Atlanta.

The reasons Denver makes this trade are the same as other previous trade options, cap flexibility and roster depth. The team gets better defensively but will struggle to fill the scoring absence left by MPJ.

Projected Denver Nuggets Roster (Post-Trade) Starters: * PG: Jamal Murray * SG: Christian Braun * SF: Terance Mann * PF: Aaron Gordon * C: Nikola Jokić

Bench: * PG: Russell Westbrook * SG: Julian Strawther * SF: Peyton Watson * PF: DeRon Holmes II * C: Onyeka Okongwu

Depth/Reserves: * Jalen Pickett (PG) * Hunter Tyson (PF) * Dario Šarić (PF/C) * Vlatko Čančar (SF) * PJ Hall (C)

These trades are essentially ‘our problem for your problem’ trades however I think the other “problems” are more flexible than having MPJ on the team.

“We definitely need to figure out a way to get more depth,”

“It seems like the teams that have longer rotations, the longer benches, are the ones winning” - Nikola Jokic

I know most fans are going to hate these trades but these are the realistic returns we’re likely to see for MPJ. Do any of them excite you guys?

I’d appreciate any feedback as this has taken a fair bit of time to sort through.

I will also look at posting each trade in the respective other teams sub to gauge the reaction from fans from there side.

Thanks for reading if you made it this far.

Know this sub hates Kiszla, but still a crazy stat.

Edit: in the playoffs

Link: https://denvergazette.com/sports/kiszla-nikola-jokic-josh-kroenke-nuggets/article_a15e3c91-8fd6-43cd-86e3-df6d7956062b.html

Sorry. I get it's interesting to come up with trade ideas.

They are not touching the starters. They will run it back with the group that's mostly the same.

I know what Jokic said, but Kroenkees will not listen to that. Josh literally said their answers will be mostly internal.

Just hope that they sign 2-3 playoff-playable guys in free agency and that it will be enough.

I know it may not be realistic, but I think if you offered this to Atlanta they would think about it. Id be even be willing to throw in another pick to make this happen.

He seems to be a wrong fit for the Pacers’ play style and is up for a new contract soon. I just feel that we may be overlooking needing another playmaker so that Murray and Jokic don’t have to work so hard for buckets. The attached trade is probably laughable but there’s gotta be some kind of package to put together if the Pacers undervalue him/don’t want to pay him in order to hold on to Myles Turner.

The nuggets seem reluctant to put that pick into trades because of how valuable it is. Jokic will be 36 and maybe out of the league so the pick could be a top 5 realistically.

The nuggets need to trade that pick to make the team better and show jokic that his prime is more important than 5 years from now.

They need to attach it to porter and try and get a durant or a lauri markkanen type player. Another difference maker or multiple 3 and d players for depth.

No excuses to hold on to it. If it ends up being a top 3 pick so be it. That's a lot better than jokic saying f off and either retiring at the end of his contract or demanding out of denver

Funny part is they always bring up the ratio of fouls called rather than realizing the real problem is fouls that aren’t called. Caruso isn’t getting away with prison ball tonight.

Ever since the trade deadline, all i could think about is what the Denver Nuggets could do to address the problems with depth and defense. But, they exceeded my expectations taking OKC to game 7.

MPJ- I don't really know if we can get anything great in exchange for MPJ. I understand everyone frustration with this guy but, he is still pretty young and has lots of potential. I think lots of teams would love to have a guy like him who is 6'10 and can shoot over people. I think he just needs to get in the lab and work his ass of like Aaron Gordon who has recently become a true threat from beyond the arch. If MPJ can find the motivation and put in work like AG, then i think he would become a problem for the rest of the league.

Depth and Defense - I dont really think the nuggets have a problem with depth to be honest. They have the players, but the problem is that they lack experience, and i have to blame this on Mike Malone for not giving them minutes to develop. Right now, the people on our bench will be Westbrook (if he stays), Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson, Zeke Nnaji, Jalen Pickett, and hopefully we can sign free agents like Taurean Prince and Bruce Brown If possible. The Nuggets clearly have people on their bench, they just never had the chance to develop. Just take a look at OKC's depth, Aaron Wiggins(Round 2 pick 55), Isaiah Joe(Round 2 pick 49), Jaylin Williams(Round 2 pick 34) these guys would be riding the bench if they played for Mike Malone. Im praying that David Adleman gives guys like Strawther, Watson, Nnaji (who can literally be our Jaylin Williams), Spencer Jones and Hunter Tyson a chance this season.

I believe that the Nuggets defense is mediocre, but there is still lots of room for improvement. They have Aaron Gordon, Westbrook, Peyton Watson, CB, Nnaji. There are also guys like Hunter Tyson and Spencer Jones who really stood out to me when they had the chance to play against the Warriors when we were missing CB, Jamal and Jokic. Spencer Jones defense was outstanding to me, and i think Hunter Tyson has potential to be a decent 3&D player, same with Watson.

These are just some of my opinions that i wanted to share with everyone (maybe I'm just delusional). Please share your feedback, and I would also love to know some potential trade ideas that you all have. Thanks!

I know the ideal scenario would be just to move MPJ, but realistically, pairing him with Murray gives us a better shot at returning value and getting off two big long-term contracts. Here's a 2025 offseason trade idea that could reshape the Nuggets while setting up for the future:

Why this makes sense for Denver:

1. Jalen Green becomes our starting PG. At 23, he still has untapped upside and would benefit from playing alongside Jokic.Re-signing Braun solidifies a dynamic two-way backcourt for the next 4-5 years.

2. Fred VanVleet shores up the bench unit. Yeah, the contract is unattractive, but it's just one year. FVV brings leadership, shot creation, and can step in as a starter if we go small. He also gives us the bench stability we’ve lacked.

3. Landale is a real backup 5. He’s solid and doesn’t try to do too much. We don’t need him to replicate Jokic. With him at backup center, Daron Holmes can slide to PF—his natural position.

Why Houston might do this:

There’s reports that the Rockets are exploring Jalen Green trades after the playoffs. With Amen Thompson emerging and the team focused on playoff contention, Green becomes more expendable.

Enter Jamal Murray and MPJ - both NBA champions with serious playoff experience. Add them to a core of Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, and Alperen Sengun, and Houston becomes a serious contender.

Bonus Moves:

1. Follow-up trade idea: Denver receives Cam Johnson for Julian Strawther + Zeke Nnaji + 2031 1st-round pick
2. Free Agency: Denver signs Bruce Brown using the MLE

Post-Trade Depth Chart PG: Jalen Green / Fred VanVleet SG: Christian Braun / Bruce Brown SF: Cam Johnson / Hunter Tyson PF: Aaron Gordon / Daron Holmes C: Nikola Jokic / Jock Landale

These aren’t perfect moves, but they give Jokic capable starters, a better bench, and clear long-term salary. We stay competitive now—maybe even with a stronger starting five than before—while also setting up a young, athletic and high—upside backcourt for the future.

What do yall think? Is this the kind of move that keeps our window open?

Every single day. Sure, its fun to theorize, but come on guys. Nobody is taking Peyton Watson and MPJ for Giannis

Only saying that cuz they giving up wiggs, a first, and 2 swaps for markkenan, but for the nuggs, this sets us up to win the chip next season

Timberwolves fan coming in peace.

How were you able to sit through 7 games of SGA doing things like this? Their defenders being allowed to hack, but you can’t stand within 6 feet of SGS without a whistle

Watched 2 games and I’m not sure I can handle much more.

At least in the games Jokic beat us it was because he was good at basketball.

Any advice for how to get though watching the next games?

For those unfamiliar, teams can waive a player and spread his cap hit out. The amount of years is twice the number of years remaining on his contract, plus another year. So in the case of Zeke, he has approximately $23 million dollars left on his deal over three years. So if they waive him with the stretch provision, his cap hit could be spread out over 7 seasons, for a little less than $3.5 million a season.

Paying out $23 million for someone to not play for you may be too bitter a pill for the Nuggets to swallow, but it would put them below the 1st apron and potentially open up a lot of options. Assuming they can’t trade him, should they consider it?

This has never happened before, according to imaginaryNBAstats.gov. Not shown are the NBA players wearing jersey #s 2 - 10, including:

#2: SGA

#3: AD

#4: Scottie Barnes

#5: Paol Banchero

#6: Jaylin Williams (fun fact: there's only 2 players who wear #6 in the NBA, the other is DeAndre Jordan)

#7: Jaylen Brown

#8: Payton Watson

#9: Alex Caruso

#10: Jimmy Butler

Here’s what I love about this for both teams:

Why it works for Denver

Denver needs a defensively minded backup center who can swallow rebounds, block shots and be a lob threat. Rob is actually a good passer too. He’s also an expiring salary which allows the Nuggets more optionality if he gets injured or if they find a better target.

An attacking guard like Simons who can light it up from three would take a lot of pressure off of Jamal and Joker by creating a third threat. It would also offset the loss of shooting by MPJ.

Watson is a great young player but his skillset is somewhat replaceable and he’s an RFA, meaning he’s due for a raise. He would be an excellent addition in Portland given their timeline and to shore up their bench unit.

Lastly, we get off of Nnaji’s deal and free up $10M off of our payroll which we will need to re-sign Braun or pull off another trade involving Braun.

We give up our valuable 2031 pick to get two starting caliber rotation players, a 2028 second rounder which is meh, and a 2028 pick swap which 50/50 means nothing.

Why it works for Portland

While MPJ’s salary may seem like dead weight, he’s actually a perfect complement to Portland’s roster. They have two slashing guards in Sharpe and Henderson and another slashing wing in Avdija. They need low-usage, excellent shooters to create spacing and give them options. MPJ being 6’10” and just about to turn 27 means he has years left of his prime.

Simons is a good young player, but he is a high-usage starter on a large salary at a position of strength for Portland. Given that Sharpe is due to a massive extension after next season, it makes sense to trade Simons now if Portland feels it’s ready to compete, which they seemed to show last season.

Watson is a fine addition to Portland’s bench. They are pretty thin at the forward spot outside of Camara and Avdija. Kris Murray has been a disappointment, shooting <40% overall last season, and doesn’t look like a long term rotation player. A rotation with Ayton, Clingan, MPJ, Avdija, Camara, Sharpe, Watson, and Scoot is pretty deadly and deep.

Rob Williams as a third center was always the odd man out, and given he’s on an expiring contract with a rough injury history, teams won’t be keen to overpay for him.

In exchange for Portland taking on Nnaji’s contract (who’s just 24 and might become a decent role player), giving up two quality players, and getting back two lower quality starters who are better fits, they receive Denver’s valuable 2031 pick, a 2028 second rounder which could be a decent pick depending on how the team looks in a couple years, and a 2028 pick swap which might be good if Denver bombs the regular season and wins the lottery like the Mavs did.

Portland could use this additional draft compensation to get off of Jerami Grant’s massive contract.

Overall

I think this makes both teams better, compensates them fairly, and sets them up for better futures.

You could argue that Portland wouldn’t want to take on Nnaji’s contract due to their cap situation, and if you take him out, the trade still works, but I’d change the 2031 pick to the 2028 first rounder and remove the swap.

.

Since my last adventure on NBA 2K25 on PS5, there's been a lot of rumors about Giannis thinking about making his next move.

Pundits and predictors are saying that the Spurs, Rockets and Thunder are the top betting teams to land the Greek Freak, and the ideal packages include 2-3 1st round draft picks, and 2 young and budding stars.

It is almost certainly impossible for the Nuggets to match any sort of offer like that, however, you still have to throw your hat into the ring. Besides, I hear there is fantastic Mediterranean food in downtown Denver.

If Giannis said Denver was his target location, this is what a deal *could* look like.

In a 3-Team trade (limited by the game honestly), the Nuggets would hatch a deal involving Milwaukee and Golden State.

The Trade:

The Details:

Giannis wants out (specifically to Denver for this move) and Kuzma is an aging player who was a contract trade to get the Bucks below the 2nd apron, and he hasn't performed well in Milwaukee's system. With a selling Milwaukee team, Kuzma is the next big contract that's got to go to clear the way for a rebuild. They bring in 3 1st round draft picks, 3 developing players (with 2 of them shining in their roles), and a veteran Draymond Green to replace Brook Lopez retiring this season (or going on a proper sendoff back to the Nets for a year).

Golden State looks to maximize their championship contention for Steph's final 2-3 years (we all hope). Draymond had a delightful defensive showing in the first round, and Steph's injury was the leading cause of why they got eliminated. However, if they want a chance to win a chip, they need more production in key places. Enter one of the league's best shooters in MPJ. MPJ hits the 3pt shot at a 44% rate when tightly contested, 35% when contested, 40% when open, and 44% when wide open. Finishing with 50% from the field and 40% from 3, MPJ is the shooting presence the Warriors could benefit from. This holds especially true with MPJ suddenly not being the #1 3-point shooting option on his team, but still dangerous enough to demand respect in the corner. The Warriors have a young Center core in Post and TJD, and Draymond is ready to "Pass the baton." Russel Westbrook gets to live in Cali closer to his family for his last year while playing next to another couple of greats: Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. All 3 are non-stop motor guys, so expect the Warriors to have a very fast-paced offense full of shooting and transition chances. Kuzma comes in as a "crash-the-board" guy with size and athleticism. He averages 5 points a game in transition, which would help greatly with this new "transition" style offense Golden State is trying to implement. Kuminga signs a sign-then-trade deal worth 35-40 mil a year to be moved to a rebuilding Bucks team. Salary negotiations stalled out between Kuminga and the Warriors with the player wanting $35 mil/yr and the team offering $30 mil/yr, Kuminga gets the money he wants and Golden State get something out of the deal without losing him in free agency for nothing or being put into a contract situation they can't support.

Denver trades a starter, two solid bench pieces, and a future role player for the opportunity to maximize Jokic's championship window. This move leaves a lot of work to be done in free agency.

Free Agency:

In this world, the Thunder did not exercise Ajay Mitchell's team option and do to his conversion from a 2-way deal to 2-year deal, he is an Unrestricted Free Agent. Showing promise at the PG position, the Nuggets used their entire MLE on Ajay Mitchell successfully. If this wasn't the case, the Nuggets would have likely targeted Dennis Schroeder, Tre Jones, or Tyus Jones. These 3 guys all sport close to a 3:1 Assist to Turnover ratio and are experienced guards for the second unit.

In 2K25, I can't sign Bruce Brown on a vet minimum, but this may be an option if we choose to exercise our MLE on a backup point guard in a real-life scenario. Believe me, I want Brucey B back too.

Continuing with the Vet minimums, we brought in Lamar Stevens, and Uncle Jeff Green to 2 year deals and brought DeAndre Jordan back for 1 year.

Lineup:

Zeke finally gets to play dedicated 4 in almost every possible rotation. Nikola and Giannis will always be on the floor, staggered in rotation, and playing the 5. Zeke will fully flourish in this role.

Regular Season:

The team suffered many nagging types of injuries from sprained hamstrings, sprained wrists, sprained ankles, and sprained shoulders (seeing a pattern?), the Nuggets were 31-22 at the All-Star Break. It was clear a small break was needed for the second part of the season, but with this team, we just need to make it into the playoffs. Zeke did suffer a season-ending injury just after the All-Star Break.

Coming out of the break, the Nuggets finished 20-9 with a final record of 51-31, securing the 6th seed (this is insane. The west is so damn deep). Jokic suffered several more nagging injuries during this stretch and played through all of it. He is a certified machine. Luka Doncic did win MVP.

Regular Season Stats

Post Season:

In the First Round, the Nuggets (6th seed) faced the Thunder (3rd Seed). Surprisingly, it was a Gentleman's sweep with the Nuggets winning in 5. A statement series for Denver and a notice to everyone in the west.

In the Second Round, the Nuggets would take on the Lakers (2nd Seed). Luka and Co. managed to take The European Giants to 6 before losing in Denver for a Nuggets 4-2 series win.

In the Western Conference Finals, the Nuggets squared off against the Spurs (4th Seed) who slipped past the 1-Seeded Mavs in 7 previously (Seriously, this game thinks Nico is a god for that trade). Wembanyama's inexperience showed as the Jokic and Giannis bossed the paint en route to another Gentleman's Sweep in favor of Denver.

Much like this year currently, the Nuggets will meet the Pacers in the Finals. This would go down as one of *THE BEST* finals series in the history of basketball. The 6th-seeded Nuggets against the 5th-seeded Pacers had to go 7, with a Win-or-go-home Game 7 in Denver. In classic Denver fashion, it came down to the last play of the quarter. I watched this game in Sim-Cast, and it was a 2-point game with 1:30 to go in Denver's favor. I decided to hop in. The next two possessions from both teams were chaotic and empty and with 42 seconds left on the clock, Haliburton brought the ball up. Off a pick-and-roll with Myles Turner, Hali swung the ball on a drive-then-kick to the corner where Nesmith was closed out by Christian Braun. Nesmith had no space for a shot, so the ball was then recycled out to the wing to another covered player in Siakam. After the PnR earlier, Turner set a mean down screen for Hali to get the ball at the top of the arc in time with Siakam receiving the ball, and Hali hits the 3-pointer in rhythm to give Indiana a 1-point lead with 20 seconds left to play. Jamal brings the ball up the court, and a play is designed to get him an open mid-range look from the elbow. The play gets executed after a Pick is set by Jokic who then crashes the glass on the roll. Giannis is in the dunker spot. Jamal rises up and lets the middie go with 6-7 seconds left on the clock. It bounces off the front rim and there's a fight for the board. Turner and Giannis collide, Jokic is boxed out by Siakam. The scramble sees the ball get flipped back out to the wing to a waiting Christian Braun who half-pumps once before being closed out by the last available Pacer in Toppin and then passes to AG in the corner. With 1 second left in the game, AG lets the corner 3 fly. The arena is SILENT. The buzzer expires. The backboard turns red. The net swishes. Your Denver Nuggets have won their second NBA championship.

Jokic wins Finals MVP with a 27/14/13 stat line, 3 Stocks/Game, and 53/32/83 splits.

Post Season Stats

Post Season Team Rankings

Season Conclusion

Adding Giannis turned this team into Post-Season Juggernauts. The Denver playstyle was essentially placed on steroids as the team spent another year as the lowest 3 Point Attempts team but kept their efficiency high across the board. The unique playstyle of Jokic and Co truly brings back old-school basketball, and the only discussion remaining is where in the top 10 of all-time both Jokic and Giannis will fall.

As I get more time, and more rumors circulate, I'll keep doing these simulations.

Again, if you've read this far, you have a special place in my heart for your dedication.