NBA Realities

The Denver Nuggets believe their roster needs a major offensive upgrade before the 2025 trade deadline.  According to Tony Jones and Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Nuggets are reportedly dangling Michael Porter Jr. in trade talks to get a perimeter scorer.

League sources say the focus on LaVine in recent discussions is significant, with the Nuggets interested in the 29-year-old who is averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season. LaVine, a two-time All-Star, is owed $43 million this season, $45.9 million next season, and has a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-27 campaign.

It isn’t the first time the Nuggets have shown a desire to upgrade with a wing scorer. As The Athletic reported in late June, Denver discussed the prospect of adding Paul George in a trade that would have likely included Michael Porter Jr. and Zeke Nnaji going to the LA Clippers (and George coming to the Nuggets via an extend-and-trade deal). That deal didn’t go down, but it was as strong a sign as any that Denver had identified this need some time ago. Any big trade would likely involve Porter, according to league sources.

Denver Nuggets’ offensive statistics

However, the Nuggets’ decision to dangle Porter Jr. in trade talks is confusing, as the starting lineup offense hasn’t been their main issue this season. The Denver Nuggets starting lineup has been a top-three offense through 25 games. They are averaging 92.8 points per game, shooting 52.1 percent from the field on 67.2 shot attempts per game. 

However, the Nuggets’ offense dramatically declines when the starting lineup is on the bench. The second unit ranks 28th in offensive production, averaging 26.6 points and 42% on 22.2 attempts per game. Denver’s second unit struggles are related to three-point shooting. 

Julian Strawther is the only second-unit player on Denver’s roster with a solid three-point shooting track record. During his final two seasons at Gonzaga, he shot 39% from behind the arc on five attempts per game. Strawther is starting to show his shooting ability in the NBA this season, shooting 39.5% on 3.9 attempts. 

Denver’s lack of consistent shooting on the second has led them to deemphasize the shot. They are 28th in three-point attempts, averaging 9 per game. The Nuggets’ second unit is shooting 33.5% from behind the arc, 24th in the NBA.

Affordable three-point shooting

The Denver Nuggets can alleviate the issue without trading Michael Porter Jr. Denver can use their Reggie Jackson trade exception ($5.2 million) and multiple first-round pucks to fix the problem. Denver can target three-point shooters who are back-end rotation players.

For example, Seth Curry is a career 43.1% shooter from behind the arc on 3.9 attempts per game.  He is averaging 12.1 minutes in 25 games with the Hornets this season. Curry’s lack of playing time indicates he is an attainable target for the Nuggets. Denver can use the trade exception and Vlatko Čančar to acquire him, as he is making $2.1 million this season. 

In conclusion, the Denver Nuggets can solve their offensive issues without trading Michael Porter Jr.