Report: Nuggets have ‘significant’ interest in Zach LaVine

Report: Nuggets have ‘significant’ interest in Zach LaVine

Trade season in the NBA is officially underway, with Thomas Bryant and Dennis Schroder getting moved to new destinations last weekend. There have been myriad rumors afloat surrounding the likes of Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, Collin Sexton and Clint Capela, among others.

But one player’s name has recently surfaced–with a Western Conference contender–after reportedly not having a trade market one year ago.

“With the NBA’s trade window opening this past weekend, and with the trade deadline less than two months away, the Nuggets are canvassing the league in pursuit of a player who can offer significant help offensively,” Tony Jones and Sam Amick of The Athletic first reported Tuesday. “League sources say the focus on [Zach LaVine] in recent discussions is significant … LaVine, a two-time All-Star, is owed $43 million this season, $45.9 million next season and has a player option worth $48.9 million for the 2026-27 campaign.”

LaVine, 29, has been outstanding for the Chicago Bulls this season. He’s averaging 21.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists, shooting 50.1 percent from the floor, 42.8 percent from 3-point range and 80.0 percent from the free-throw line after missing all but 25 games last season with a foot injury.

We have known for a while that the Bulls, stuck in mediocrity, have been trying to part with LaVine. Given his contract, it’s not going to be an inexpensive cost–especially since Denver is $5 million away from the second apron, which it cannot exceed after using their full TPMLE on Dario Saric.

Amick and Jones cite that Michael Porter Jr., having the most complete season of his career, would be the most likely candidate to be shipped out in any big trade.

“Porter has long been one of the best shooters in the league. This season, he has rounded into becoming an all-around scorer, capable of impacting offense from all three levels,” Amick and Jones wrote. “He has also gotten stronger and become more impactful defensively than he has been in the past.

“According to league sources, the Nuggets value Porter and what he does for the spacing of Denver’s offense significantly. … League sources say the Nuggets even had extension talks with Porter earlier in the season, a strong indication they still feel confident about his long-term future. Porter, 26, is rounding into the prime of his career while still improving as an overall player. He has a history of injury issues but has remained relatively healthy over the past few seasons, playing in 81 games last season.”

Don’t be surprised if the Nuggets, currently 14-10, try to offload Zeke Nnaji as a salary filler in any deal, even though he’s currently on a bad contract (relative to his development). The Nuggets don’t have many players outside of Nikola Jokic–arguably the frontrunner for MVP–can create his own shot.

Jamal Murray has struggled to begin the new season; Christian Braun has been a breath of fresh air, but isn’t a natural self-creator, nor is Russell Westbrook, Julian Strawther or any of Denver’s remaining supporting cast. LaVine would offer that (and then some) in the halfcourt, even though he doesn’t offer the size or positional versatility that Porter does.

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