Key Takeaways:
– Bleacher Report suggests a trade proposal between the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz.
– Trade would include Nuggets’ Michael Porter Jr and the Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen.
– Denver Nugget’s payroll risks exceeding the luxury tax.
– Trade offers potential financial relief for the Nuggets and an upgrade to their starting five.
An Exciting Trade Proposal
In the world of NBA trades, almost anything is conceivable. A speculative trade proposition between the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz is one such notion gaining traction on Bleacher Report. This deal provides temporary cap alleviation for the Nuggets, while potentially boosting their starting lineup for another championship run.
Cap Pressure on Nuggets
Currently, the Nuggets seem to face a standstill concerning their roster. If their players all choose to stay, the Nuggets might find themselves shouldering an intimidating payroll of nearly $200 million. This surpasses the speculated $171 million luxury tax, placing them on the brink of the dreaded second apron.
As the Nuggets grapple with this financial quagmire, a trade of Michael Porter Jr., their 3-point ace forward, appears to be a viable solution, particularly with Jamal Murray’s impending extension in sight.
A Grand Swap Proposal
Interestingly, Bleacher Report adds a unique twist to the trade. The proposal involves trading Porter Jr. not for a downgrade, but for an upgrade. The Nuggets could potentially strike a deal with the Jazz to acquire the financially affordable and more skilled Lauri Markkanen, thus benefiting their roster immensely.
Trade Overview
The proposed trade, as per Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes, is as follows:
Denver Nuggets receive Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz, and in return, Utah Jazz acquires Michael Porter Jr., the 2024 No. 28 pick, first-round swaps in 2026, 2028, and 2030, plus second round picks for 2025, 2026 and 2029.
Hughes spells out that this offer contains a flaw. Markkanen, who excelled as an All-Star in the 2022-23 season with an impressive performance last season too, will likely be a challenge to pry away from the Jazz.
Understanding the Challenge
The challenge in this trade is in equating the value of both players. Porter Jr., despite his potential, isn’t considered equivalent to Markkanen’s established prowess.
Furthermore, both players present financial and injury concerns. Markkanen seems a better fit than Porter. However, his imminent pay increase might surpass Porter Jr’s current salary.
Markkanen’s New Extension
Lauri Markkanen is presently on the Utah Jazz’s books for $18 million for the 2024-25 season and will be a free agent thereafter. He qualifies for an extension, making it plausible for him to negotiate a boost in his final year and incorporate it into a new contract.
An Inside Source
An insider at Heavy Sports expressed skepticism over the Jazz’s willingness to maximize Markkanen’s payout. The source postulates a new agreement for Markkanen, comparable to Domantas Sabonis’s four-year and $187 million deal from last year, implying a projected four-year and $175 million deal.
The Trade Expectation
The Nuggets might contemplate allowing Markkanen to complete his current contract before renewing it. While this might provide a temporary financial relief for the Nuggets, the likelihood is that the Jazz will campaign to retain Markkanen. A potential Porter Jr. led trade might be enticing, but without a tempting collection of picks, the deal’s completion remains doubtful.