Proposed Trade Sends Nuggets $100 Million All-Star…

After being knocked out in the Western Conference Semifinals, the Denver Nuggets need to consider ways to bounce back. One potential strategy involves trading Michael Porter Jr., who has a significant financial commitment from the team.

In a May 21 article, The Sporting News’ Stephen Noh suggested a trade that could improve the Nuggets’ core. The proposed trade involves:

– **Nuggets receive:** Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert
– **Cavaliers receive:** Michael Porter Jr., No. 28 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft

Noh explained that Allen and LeVert would bring substantial benefits to the Nuggets.

“Adding Allen, a former All-Star, would enhance the Nuggets’ rim protection and provide another athletic lob threat alongside Aaron Gordon and Jokic. Allen could either be the league’s most capable backup or enable the Nuggets to field a larger lineup to overpower opponents. LeVert would offer crucial shot creation, addressing a gap highlighted in their series against Minnesota.”

Allen, an All-Star in 2022, is entering the fourth year of a five-year, $100 million contract. LeVert would enhance the Nuggets’ bench scoring, an area that contributed to their playoff exit.

**Nuggets Encouraged to Trade Michael Porter Jr.**
Given the substantial future payments due to Porter Jr. and his underwhelming performance in crucial moments, the Nuggets might need to consider trading him. Mark Kizla of The Denver Gazette argued that significant changes are necessary for the Nuggets to remain championship contenders in an increasingly competitive Western Conference.

“The Nuggets need to rework their roster by trading Porter, who vanished in key moments against Minnesota, missing nine out of twelve shots in Game 7 and finishing with only nine points,” Kizla wrote on May 20.

Kizla also noted that the Nuggets’ lack of depth hindered their playoff success. He emphasized that relying on a strong starting lineup without a robust rotation contributed to their inability to defend their title. Jokic’s fatigue and Murray’s injuries were also significant issues.

**Michael Porter Jr. Admits to Being Distracted**
Porter Jr. faced personal challenges throughout the season, including his brother Jontay’s NBA gambling ban and his other brother Corban’s incarceration. Following the Nuggets’ loss, Porter acknowledged that these issues impacted his performance but recognized the need to separate personal struggles from his professional responsibilities.

“I won’t pretend it wasn’t a burden or that it didn’t occupy my thoughts constantly,” Porter admitted. “But that’s no excuse. I’m a better player than I showed in this series. In the NBA, you must separate off-court issues from your on-court performance.”