The Denver Nuggets were active in discussions regarding the recent trade of Kevin Durant, who was sent from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets in a significant deal that included young talent and multiple draft picks. The trade saw the Suns receiving a package featuring Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in this year’s draft, and five second-round picks.
While the trade is finalized, Nuggets fans might find interest in the fact that Denver was among the teams engaged in talks with the Suns, alongside the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and others like the Toronto Raptors and Cleveland Cavaliers. Although the Nuggets are in a transition period and have not yet named a new general manager, discussions likely involved interim GM Ben Tenzer and would have required considerable maneuvering to accommodate Durant’s substantial salary of $54.7 million.
To facilitate a trade for Durant, Denver would have needed to part ways with significant contracts, possibly involving players like Michael Porter Jr., who has a hefty salary of $38.3 million this season. Other names such as Christian Braun, Peyton Watson, and possibly Zeke Nnaji or Dario Saric could have also been considered. However, it’s unlikely the Nuggets would trade their star guard Jamal Murray, and Nikola Jokic remains an untouchable asset for the franchise.
The challenge of securing draft picks also loomed large, as the Suns obtained numerous picks from the Rockets in the deal, adding to the hurdles Denver faced in these discussions. Even without securing Durant, it’s noted that just being in these conversations indicates the Nuggets are willing to be aggressive in building their roster.
While the opportunity to acquire Durant has slipped away, this hints at an exciting future for the Nuggets as they continue to seek ways to enhance their competitiveness within the league. The team’s proactive approach in exploring high-profile transactions could eventually pay off, bolstering their chances of success in upcoming seasons.