RealGM

Denver will need to make some moves if they want to contend. Their FO has openly admitted that this roster will need to reckon with the reality of the new CBA.

Toronto will look to dump some vets and accumulate young players. They are openly rebuilding.


Given Denver’s cap situation, they have to break up one of their big salary guys into multiple guys to fill depth. Out of their big 4, MPJ might be the most logical trade candidate, given that he’s probably a little overpaid.

Bruce Brown and Denver still have great relationships, and he would fit well because they are missing a POA defender after KCPs departure.


Here’s the trade:

Michael Porter Jr
for
Bruce Brown & Kelly Olynyk


Note: There’s also an expanded trade possible if Denver wants to dump Zeke Najis contract for Chris Boucher (expiring and similar production). But we’ll keep it simple for now.



Denver lineup:

J Murray / B Brown / C Braun / A Gordon / N Jokic
R Westbrook / J Pickett / P Watson / D Saric / K Olynyk
J Strawther / D Jordan


The playing lineups can change…Westbrook may want to start the season and get a quick replacement. Also, they could play a “big” front court by playing Gordon-Olynyk-Jokic, taking advantage of their passing and shooting.




For the Raptors:
The idea is to get young assets who can outgrow their locked-in long term contracts. There’s a question mark about MPJs off court fit due to his brothers gambling issue in Toronto, but if the FO wants to accumulate a 6’10 shooting forward to complement Scottie, this is an excellent get.


I Quickley / RJ Barrett / MP Jr / S Barnes / J Poeltl

Raps have a bunch of rookies as bench, to do a stealth tank and get a top 8-10 pick. Next year they use the full MLE and they’re set. In 2026 they have 2 picks to make the next “Demar sacrifice trade” and ship out RJ Barrett. This is how we win again

1) Olynyk and Saric are redudant
2) MPJ puts us into tax next year

Godaddycurse wrote:1) Olynyk and Saric are redudant
2) MPJ puts us into tax next year

1. I get that they’re similar, but not the same. Olynyk is more of a playmaker, and can hit the outside shot. He could conceivably even play minutes at the 4.

2. The first apron next year is projected at $196M, IIRC. Even with Scottie’s extension kicking in, you would be rolling Brown, Olynyk and Boucher off. It’s close for sure, but not impossible.

MessiahUjiri wrote:

Godaddycurse wrote:1) Olynyk and Saric are redudant
2) MPJ puts us into tax next year

1. I get that they’re similar, but not the same. Olynyk is more of a playmaker, and can hit the outside shot. He could conceivably even play minutes at the 4.

2. The first apron next year is projected at $196M, IIRC. Even with Scottie’s extension kicking in, you would be rolling Brown, Olynyk and Boucher off. It’s close for sure, but not impossible.

tax line is about 187M

starting lineup alone is 157M, that leaves 30M for 9 spots. Dick,Walter and our FRP will cost about 15M. i dont think you can fill remaining 6-7 spots for 15M and expect to do well. Definitely zero room for MLE

Probably a no for both sides. Raps cant afford MPJ and Nuggets cant afford a talent downgrade

MPJ has no place here.

Godaddycurse wrote:

MessiahUjiri wrote:

Godaddycurse wrote:1) Olynyk and Saric are redudant
2) MPJ puts us into tax next year

1. I get that they’re similar, but not the same. Olynyk is more of a playmaker, and can hit the outside shot. He could conceivably even play minutes at the 4.

2. The first apron next year is projected at $196M, IIRC. Even with Scottie’s extension kicking in, you would be rolling Brown, Olynyk and Boucher off. It’s close for sure, but not impossible.

tax line is about 187M

starting lineup alone is 157M, that leaves 30M for 9 spots. Dick,Walter and our FRP will cost about 15M. i dont think you can fill remaining 6-7 spots for 15M and expect to do well. Definitely zero room for MLE

Yeah 15M for 6 people is tough….Although there’s a world where I can see it: Trade RJ next offseason to do a 1 for 2 deal.

I think RJ is the most expendable of the raps young “core”, since guys like Kobe and Dick can likely replace most of his production at a fraction of the cost.

Godaddycurse wrote:1) Olynyk and Saric are redudant
2) MPJ puts us into tax next year

I don't think the Nuggets would pass on Olynyk just because they have Saric.

Does MPJ put Toronto in the 1st or the 2nd apron?

I’m sure it’ll be hated by both sides, but.. RJ instead of Brown in the OP? Denver adds Holmes?

Toronto stays a lot more affordable, Denver hopes RJ can keep up his Toronto efficiency playing off the best player in the league..

Lot of ways to do it, could even include the Brown reunion instead of Kelly O by including Nnaji, Denver has the second apron space to fill the roster on the other end..