RealGM

Pt 1:
OKC trades 2027 top 5 prot 1st DEN, 2029 top 5 prot 1st DEN
DEN trades 2032 unp 1st, rights to swap 2027 1sts to for lowest of OKC/LAC

As a precursor to DEN offering up picks, they get the protections on the picks owed to OKC cleaned up. OKC takes a high variance pick (that is almost assuredly high after this trade) instead of 2 in the next 4 years in which Jokic may still be in prime years. Denver now has a slate of picks they can trade for...

Pt 2:

Suns trade Durant
Denver trades MPJ, Nnaji, Saric, and the following picks:
2026 1st DEN unp
2028 1st DEN unp
2030 1st DEN unp

Phoenix gets three 1sts for Durant, kicking off a rebuild/retool project.
Denver gets the #2 scorer they desperately need for Jokic in order to maximize the window around the best basketball player that may ever put on a Nuggets jersey. Yes Durant is old, but still clearly has a lot in the tank, and would play extremely well off of Jokic.

Denver needs depth, not a better 3rd option

I like the idea of Denver trading that unprotected 1st to get their picks back......but I'd pass on Durant.

No chance OKC does any of these deals with West Conference teams now that they are contending.

The same Durant that just led the Suns to 36 wins? I must be the only person who doesn't think he's worth nearly this much anymore.

I'd rather just keep the picks if I was Denver.

Well done by OP. This is a great idea and a realistic way for Denver to get KD without needing to gut the team.

If Denver can add a couple high quality minimum guys after this they'd be favorites to win next season.

I don’t think it takes three picks to get KD, even dumping that salary. Phoenix is desperate for talent and MPJ while overpaid and inconsistent, is talented..

Though Denver should be trying to improve the roster around Joker not just the starting line up for 1-2 years.

Really like the OP’s creative idea, but I think Presti does..

2027 top 5 protected, 2029 top 5 protected for 2027 swap 2029 swap, 2030 unprotected.

Which lets Denver trade 2026 and 2028 firsts this offseason. (I think that’s all it would take for KD in the OP)

Whether that’s an MPJ trade or stacking smaller contracts..