RealGM

DEN sends / SAS receives: Michael Porter, Jr., 2024 MIN 2nd round pick

SAS sends / DEN receives: Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins

Why this trade works for the Nuggets: Whether they win another championship or not, Denver could use a shuffling of a few chairs. MPG has not played well in the playoffs. And, DeAndre Jordan has been a terrible backup to Jokic since the day he arrived in Denver. While Johnson is not the shooter MPJ is, he is more athletic and, as the better slasher, would benefit from Jokic's passes. Collins is a MUCH better backup center and can play PF as well. Their new lineup:

PG...Murray...(free agent)
SG...KCP...Braun
SF...Johnson...Strawther
PF...Gordon...Nnaji
C...Jokic...Collins

Why this trade works for the Spurs: Johnson was moved to a 6th man role this year due to the similarities between his game and Devin Vassell's. MPJ is 5" taller and would bring better shooting to support Wemby. He also has championship experience, which is beneficial to a young team as well. Their new lineup:

PG...#4 pick...Jones
SG...Vasell...Branham
SF...MPJ...#8
PF...Sochan...Bassey
C...Wemby...(free agent)

What do you think?

This is first MPJ trade I think Denver turns down?

But they probably should still do it and hope Keldon shines in their system. Just feel like they shouldn’t be downgrading in talent like this. MPJ is grossly overpaid, but he fits really well and I don’t feel a need to make any major changes to this roster even if they lose.

I don't hate it for SAS. It doesn't burn significant draft capital, and MPJ is a fit in the starting lineup, while Keldon isn't. MPJ's contract expires before Wemby gets the supermax, so it's not hopeless cap wise.

I also don't hate it. I'd like to see if Atlanta can be looped in and Denver can send an additional asset to swap Keldon for Deandre' Hunter?

Denver trades starting SF from champioship team for 2 backups from one of the worst teams in the league. Why? To save money. Now when thay are one of the favorites in next 4-5 years. Aren't teams spening money to build contender? And than to downgrade when at top? No logic from Denver.

One more thing. If people think MPJ is overpayed, OK. Would it be better if he earned 30 instead of 35. Yes. He is 8th highest payed SF next season, so it is not like he is grossly overpayed. But he still proved he can be 3/4 option on championship team. How many other wings can be that. Keldon? Hunter?
Please, people

Here are top 10 highest payed SFs

1 Kawhi Leonard - $52,368,085
2 LeBron James - $51,415,938
3 Kevin Durant - $51,179,020
4 Jaylen Brown - $49,350,000
5 Jimmy Butler - $48,798,677
6 Paul George - $48,787,676
7 Brandon Ingram - $36,016,200
8 Michael Porter - $35,859,950
9 Jayson Tatum - $34,848,340
10 Khris Middleton - $31,666,667

Bolded ones have more injury problems than MPJ and are dragging their teams to the bottom. LeBron is 1000 years old. Durant is what he showed after GSW. Ingram is not good. So Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are better options. You have probobly 4-5 more wings that can make us better but we can't get them like Markkanen, Bridges ect and that is it.

Denver needs solid backup PG and C and that's all.