Nuggets Showing Interest In Zach LaVine, Cam Johnson, Brandon Ingram, Others

December 17, 2024

The Nuggets are actively exploring ways to bolster their depth ahead of the NBA trade deadline, with significant interest in acquiring Bulls guard Zach LaVine, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Tony Jones.

Denver is looking for a dynamic scorer at the wing position to ease some of the load on reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. LaVine, a career 46.6% shooter and 38.4% from three, could fit the bill perfectly.

This season, he’s averaging 21.7 points and 4.2 assists, but his injury history has raised some concerns.

LaVine’s hefty contract — $43 million this season, $45.9 million next, and a $48.9 million player option in 2026/27 — would certainly make any deal complicated. But his scoring ability would be a valuable addition to a Nuggets team that relies heavily on Jokic and Jamal Murray for offensive creation.

The key piece in any potential deal could be Michael Porter Jr., who is earning $35.8 million this season. Porter is having a strong start to the season, averaging 18.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 51.2% from the floor and 38.5% from three.

However, Denver is apparently willing to move him to bring in a player like LaVine who can create offense more consistently.

Porter is under contract for two more years with $12 million guaranteed in the final year, making him a potential trade asset.

Other players in Denver’s sights include Wizards guard Jordan Poole, Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson, Hawks forward De’Andre Hunter, Nets forward Cameron Johnson, and Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas. They’ve also expressed interest in Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram, despite his current ankle injury, per Ian Begley of SNY.tv.

Basically, while LaVine might be the top target, the Nuggets have options to make a splash in the trade market.