Nuggets predicted to complete blockbuster trade for $215.2 million Bulls guard

While the Denver Nuggets are beginning to look like contenders following a slow start to the year, the organization is likely a piece away from making serious noise in the Western Conference. 

Acquiring a game-changing Chicago Bulls superstar would positively change the Nuggets’ season outlook.

“In a somewhat stunning twist, Zach LaVine currently tops the list of Denver Nuggets trade targets, according to The Athletic's Tony Jones and Sam Amick,” Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale wrote Monday. 

“A package built around Porter is the only framework to propose, since neither Aaron Gordon nor Jamal Murray can be flipped after signing extensions.”

“Chicago won't be thrilled about taking on the balance of Nnaji's contract (three years, $23.2 million) when he can't jump a 36-year-old DeAndre Jordan in Denver's rotation.”

“But he's just 24 and, conceptually, someone who can stretch the floor and move his feet on defense.”

“Porter is owed a pretty penny himself (two years, $79.1 million). His price point is only uncomfortable if you think he won't stay healthy.” 

“It is otherwise fair-weather money for a deadeye 6-foot-10 shooter who is three years younger than LaVine and, at his peak, has demonstrated the capacity to lock in defensively and crash the glass.”

“Going from Porter to LaVine may cost the Nuggets on the less glamorous end. But the 29-year-old is more engaged this season navigating screens and checking individual assignments. Plus, most of his appeal is rooted in shot-making.”

“Denver doesn't lose anything, really, in off-ball scoring as part of this deal while gaining on-ball dynamism.”

“LaVine delivers more rim pressure and foul-drawing, and way more of his baskets (50.8%) go unassisted compared to Porter (16.7%).”

“His fit alongside Nikola Jokić should be divine, and equally important, he stands a puncher's chance of beefing up the Nuggets' minutes without their MVP.”

LaVine is in a dead-end situation with the Bulls, but the electric 6-foot-5 guard is playing high-level basketball in Year 11. 

As a big-time three-level scorer thriving as Chicago’s No. 1 scoring option, LaVine averages 22.0 points per contest on 50.1% field goal shooting and 44.4% three-point shooting this season. 

Unfortunately, the Nuggets would have to give up a near-automatic long-range shooter in Porter to acquire LaVine. 

However, it’s reasonable to assume Denver will consider an in-season swap. 

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