The Denver Nuggets remain contenders in the Western Conference, but they’re not the same dominant team that cruised through the West two seasons ago to win the title. This year, they’re sitting at 9-7, with their latest setback being a tough 148-118 loss to the New York Knicks.
Given this, the case for the team to reassess its roster and explore the trade market is growing stronger. After all, Denver can only wait for so long when their second-best player Jamal Murray is shooting just 39.8% from the field after putting up a career-best 48.1% last season.
In this context, the Nuggets might want to look into a potential move for Zach LaVine. Reports say the Chicago Bulls are open to trading him, and with 22.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game on 52.1% shooting, LaVine would instantly give Denver a shot of offensive firepower.
Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley has previously laid out a trade scenario that could pave the way for LaVine’s arrival in Denver.
“Zach LaVine to the Denver Nuggets for Michael Porter Jr. and Zeke Nnaji
Maybe LaVine’s trade value will look better closer to February, but for now, it’s hard to see teams giving much of anything for him given the money he’s owed and the resume worries with his previous injury issues and lack of team success. Denver might be willing to look past all of that, though, if it thought his shot-making and creation would make life easier for Nikola Jokić. If the Nuggets feel they need a shake-up, their options will be limited by their draft-pick shortage, so it might have to be one of these change-of-scenery type swaps.”
