Nuggets Predicted to Trade Star Forward in 3-Team Mock Trade Involving Lakers, Nets
Nuggets Predicted to Trade Star Forward in 3-Team Mock Trade Involving Lakers, Nets originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
NBA trade rumors have begun to the heat up with the offseason right around the corner as teams look to upgrade their roster this summer.
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One team that has seen their fair share of trade rumors is the Denver Nuggets who may end up making some moves this summer after being eliminated in the second round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Of course, the Nuggets are trying to capitalize on Nikola Jokic's prime as they try to win another championship but they may need to retool their roster around the three-time MVP to become contenders once again.
Apr 11, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) reacts before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Because of this, many of the Nuggets' players have been in trade rumors but the main one that continues to talked about is their star forward Michael Porter Jr.
Porter Jr. put together a career-best season this year but with Denver lacking assets, he could be their main part of a package to upgrade their roster.
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With this in mind, Sports Illustrated's Liam Willerup recently proposed a three-team mock trade that includes the Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets.
In the trade, Willerup has Denver receiving Dalton Knecht and Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles receiving Nicolas Claxton and Brooklyn receiving Porter Jr. and a 2031 first-round pick via the Lakers.
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton takes a rebound away from Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji during their game at Scotiabank Arena on March 25, 2024.Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
This is an interesting trade but one that could benefit all three teams involved. For the Lakers, they would complete their goal of adding a new starting center and they would receive a solid one in Claxton.
For the Nets, they would add a potential star in the making in Porter Jr. who would finally be the focal point on offense.
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Denver would also add some key pieces with Hachimura taking over Porter Jr.'s spot while also adding a young bench piece in Knecht to upgrade their second unit offensively.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht.© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
While this trade may work well for all the teams involved, the Nuggets have expressed no interest in moving on from Porter Jr. this summer but they may have to if they want to become title contenders once again.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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