1-for-2 Trade? Michael Porter Jr. Caught in Rumors as Nuggets Explore a Path to Success

With the NBA trade deadline just two months away, speculation is heating up across the league. Recent reports have linked the Denver Nuggets’ forward Michael Porter Jr. (MPJ) to potential trade discussions. According to ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel, the Nuggets might be open to listening to offers for Porter Jr. Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Tony Jones and Sam Amick have noted that Denver is actively seeking an offensive spark to alleviate Nikola Jokić’s workload. One prominent target mentioned in these rumors is Zach LaVine, with MPJ being the key piece in a possible trade package.

Michael Porter Jr. and His Current Performance

Despite often being criticized for his max contract, MPJ has been quietly productive this season. Through 24 games, Porter Jr. has averaged:

• 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game
• Shooting splits: 51.2% from the field, 38.5% from three-point range, and a true shooting percentage (TS%) of 60.7%

For a 26-year-old forward standing at 6’10” with a career three-point accuracy of 41%, Porter Jr.’s profile as an elite off-ball shooter is rare and valuable. His current contract, once considered an overpay, now appears relatively reasonable in the modern salary cap landscape. Porter is earning $35.86 million this season, with future salaries of $38.33 million (2024-25) and $40.81 million (2025-26, partially guaranteed at $12 million).

MPJ’s ability to shoot over defenders and his existing chemistry with Jokić make him an integral part of the Nuggets’ success. However, his limitations—particularly on the defensive end—have left Denver considering potential upgrades.

Zach LaVine: High Risk, High Reward

LaVine’s name has surfaced as a possible trade target. The Chicago Bulls guard is known for his elite scoring ability and explosive athleticism. This season, LaVine is averaging:

• 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game
• Shooting splits: 50.2% from the field, 42.8% from deep, and 80% from the free-throw line, with a TS% of 63.1%

LaVine’s ball-handling and scoring versatility could relieve pressure on Jokić, but there are notable concerns:

1. Defensive Limitations: Like Porter Jr., LaVine struggles defensively. However, Porter’s size allows him to provide some versatility in defensive matchups, occasionally covering power forwards or even centers. LaVine lacks this flexibility.
2. Role Overlap with Jamal Murray: LaVine’s skillset leans heavily on his ability to create with the ball in his hands. Pairing him with Jamal Murray could lead to redundancy, similar to the struggles Phoenix has faced with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
3. Contract Concerns: LaVine’s contract is significantly larger than MPJ’s, with three years remaining at $43.03 million (2023-24), $45.99 million (2024-25), and $48.97 million (2025-26). Trading for LaVine could put Denver in an even tougher salary cap situation without guaranteeing an upgrade.

The Brooklyn Nets Connection: A Potential 2-for-1 Deal

While a LaVine trade seems risky, another rumor involving the Brooklyn Nets appears more promising. According to Forbes’ Evan Sidery, the Nuggets and Nets have engaged in exploratory talks centered around MPJ and Brooklyn’s forwards Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith.

Cameron Johnson: A Natural Fit in Denver

Johnson has established himself as one of the league’s premier sharpshooters. This season, he’s posting:

• 18.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game
• Shooting splits: 48.4% from the field, 43.3% from three, and 86.8% from the free-throw line, with a TS% of 65.4%

Though Johnson’s three-point volume isn’t as high as MPJ’s, his accuracy and ability to capitalize on open looks make him an ideal candidate to thrive alongside Jokić. At 6’8”, Johnson also offers positional flexibility and the ability to defend multiple positions, albeit inconsistently. Additionally, Johnson is a Colorado native, making Denver his hometown team—a sentimental bonus for the Nuggets’ front office.

Dorian Finney-Smith: The Defensive Glue

Finney-Smith, a renowned 3-and-D player, is enjoying a career year from beyond the arc, shooting a personal-best 45%. His stats this season include:

• 11.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game
• Shooting splits: 47.6% from the field, 45.0% from three, and 65.2% from the free-throw line, with a TS% of 63.8%

Adding Finney-Smith would address one of Denver’s biggest weaknesses—a lack of versatile wing defenders. The Nuggets’ current roster lacks a reliable two-way wing outside of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. With Finney-Smith, Denver could improve defensively without sacrificing floor spacing.

The Trade Package and Feasibility

The combined salaries of Johnson and Finney-Smith make this trade financially viable. Johnson is earning $22.5 million this season, with two more years at $20.54 million and $22.5 million. Finney-Smith is on a team-friendly deal at $14.39 million this season, increasing slightly to $15.39 million in 2024-25.

The challenge lies in Brooklyn’s demands. Reports suggest the Nets are seeking two first-round picks for Johnson and one for Finney-Smith. Denver lacks the draft capital to meet this asking price outright, so involving a third team might be necessary. Additionally, young players like Christian Braun or Peyton Watson could be included to sweeten the deal.

Why This Trade Makes Sense

For the Nuggets, swapping MPJ for Johnson and Finney-Smith could be a game-changer. While Johnson can replicate much of MPJ’s shooting prowess, Finney-Smith fills a critical defensive gap. Together, they could elevate Denver’s rotation and make them even more formidable in their quest to defend their championship.

Brooklyn, meanwhile, might be enticed by MPJ’s potential as a high-upside scorer to pair with Mikal Bridges. His existing contract structure, partially guaranteed in its final year, adds an element of flexibility.

If Denver can find a way to make the trade work, this could be the move that propels them to the next level. Trading MPJ for LaVine feels like a lateral move, but acquiring Johnson and Finney-Smith? That could be the missing piece to unlock another championship run.