NBA Rumors: Nuggets, Michael Porter Jr, Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga, Grizzlies

Nuggets

The Nuggets may need to make a move and the name of Michael Porter Jr. has been the name mentioned most ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline. But would Denver actually do it?

“If the Nuggets are going to swing a big deal, Porter’s $35.9 million salary almost has to be included,” ESPN wrote. “However, Porter’s recent play might give Denver pause. He’s shooting a career-high 52% from the field, including 42% from 3, and his size allowed the Nuggets to slide guard Russell Westbrook into injured forward Aaron Gordon‘s spot in the starting five.”

In other words, a smaller move to shore up the bench may be something that would suit the Nuggets even better.

“Also, with Jamal Murray returning to form in December, adding shot creation no longer seems as urgent for Denver as improving a below-average defense — something a rumored swap for Chicago’s Zach LaVine would not accomplish,” ESPN wrote.

Warriors

The Warriors made one trade already, but that hasn’t moved the needle much. Now, they need to decide whether this team is good enough as is, or perhaps move their most talented young player to try to make a major playoff run.

“With Golden State having made one move already by trading for Dennis Schroder for depth behind Stephen Curry, Jonathan Kuminga‘s future remains the biggest question for the Warriors as he approaches restricted free agency this summer,” ESPN wrote. “Kuminga is averaging a career-high 16.8 PPG, but he’s shooting a career-low 50% on 2s, tanking his efficiency in a critical campaign.”

That said, you’d think it would take a lot for Golden State to move a rising talent such as Kuminga.

“Kuminga lost his starting job and is currently sidelined for at least three weeks with an ankle injury, making him less appealing as part of the kind of blockbuster deal Golden State hopes to make,” ESPN wrote. “At the same time, Kuminga is still just 22, and another team might believe he’ll fit better in its system than with the win-now Warriors.”

Grizzlies

The Grizzlies have been among the league’s most pleasant surprises, but they still could look for upgrades, with Luke Kennard perhaps being a bargaining chip.

“Kennard was part of Memphis’ reported offer for Dorian Finney-Smith before the Nets chose the Lakers’ deal instead,” ESPN wrote. “Making $9.25 million on a one-year deal, Kennard has the ability to block any trade but might find more playing time elsewhere.

And Kennard could indeed offer someone extra shooting in reserve.

“The NBA’s leader in 3-point percentage during both 2021-22 and 2022-23, Kennard is still making them at a 45% clip but hasn’t seen as much playing time with younger players Jaylen Wells and Jake LaRavia stepping into larger roles.”

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