Nuggets Eyeing Zach LaVine Trade to Boost Offense
The Denver Nuggets are reportedly considering a trade for Zach LaVine to enhance their offensive capabilities as they seek to contend.
Denver, Zach LaVine, Nuggets, Bulls, NBA, Michael Porter Jr.
Denver: Nikola Jokic is on fire this season. The guy’s averaging almost a triple-double with 30.9 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 9.9 assists. It’s wild!
But here’s the kicker: the Nuggets are only 14-10. They just don’t look like a championship team right now. Their net rating isn’t great either, sitting at +2.5, which is 13th in the league. They really need more players who can create their own shots.
So, the Nuggets are thinking about making a big move at the trade deadline. They’ve got their eyes on Zach LaVine from the Bulls, according to reports from Sam Amick and Tony Jones at The Athletic.
They’re also looking at other players like Jordan Poole from Washington, Jordan Clarkson from Utah, and De’Andre Hunter from Atlanta. But LaVine seems to be the main focus lately.
LaVine is having a stellar season too, shooting 42.8% from three and averaging 21.7 points a game. The only issue? He’s making $43 million this season and has a hefty contract for the next two years. That’s made teams a bit hesitant to trade for him.
If the Nuggets want LaVine, they’d likely have to trade Michael Porter Jr. He’s not quite the shot creator LaVine is, but he’s having a solid season himself, averaging 18.5 points and 7.1 assists while shooting 38.5% from three.
Financially, the trade could work with Porter Jr. and Zeke Naji, but the Bulls will want at least a first-round pick swap. Chicago is in rebuild mode and wants picks, not just contracts. That could be a tough pill for Denver to swallow.
Regardless of whether they land LaVine, it’s clear the Nuggets know they need to make changes. They can’t waste Jokic’s prime years. They need someone who can create shots alongside him and Jamal Murray, and LaVine could be that guy.