Nuggets Face Challenges in Pursuing Kevin Durant Trade

Strategic Insights -

The Denver Nuggets are already in the midst of trade season, and speculation surrounding a potential deal for Kevin Durant has begun to surface. Despite the uncertainty of a trade, many believe that the Nuggets would be a good fit for Durant, who reportedly has a preferred trio of teams to join. However, recent history suggests that if Durant doesn't want to be somewhere, it's not worth having him in the locker room. The Nuggets would have to give up significant assets, including Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., or Aaron Gordon, to make a trade work, and even that might not be enough to attract Durant.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nuggets are facing a challenging offseason, with a uncertain general manager/president of basketball operations situation and significant assets to trade away.
  • Kevin Durant has reportedly expressed interest in joining the Nuggets, but only if he is traded to Denver and can play alongside Nikola Jokic.
  • The Nuggets would have to give up two of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., or Aaron Gordon to make a trade with the Phoenix Suns work.
  • The Suns are reportedly open to trading Durant, but only if the Nuggets can offer a suitable package that includes significant assets.
  • The Nuggets' payroll situation would become significantly easier if they were able to trade for Durant, but they would have to fill the void via free agency.
  • The Nuggets' uncertain general manager/president of basketball operations situation makes it an even bigger gamble for them to pursue a trade for Durant.

Statistics:

  • Kevin Durant's contract expires after next season, with a value of $55 million.
  • The Nuggets' payroll situation would become significantly easier if they were able to trade for Durant, with an estimated savings of $55 million.
  • The Nuggets would have to give up two of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., or Aaron Gordon to make a trade with the Phoenix Suns work, which suggests a significant trade package would be required.
  • 37 - The number of years old that Kevin Durant will be before next season starts, which raises questions about his durability and production.

Sources:

  • Mark J. Terrill/AP Photo - Photo of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. during Game 6 of the NBA playoffs.
  • David Zalubowski/AP Photo - Photo of Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic during an NBA game.
  • The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.) - Article by Tyler King discussing the Nuggets' trade situation.
  • Tribune Content Agency, LLC - Distribution agreement with The Gazette.